Set for future

By Bridget Brady
LYNDHURST Secondary College students got a taste of the employment world recently when teachers and guests conducted practice interviews.
Year 10 students were put through their paces as part of the school’s Smart Futures program during the past fortnight.
Cranbourne business owners and employers gave up their time to help teachers form a panel of interviewers.
Almost 200 students were required to write a formal application letter and resume for a position as it would appear in a newspaper. They were then interviewed about their application.
Careers coordinator Frances Fenech said the program was very beneficial for students because many had not attended an interview before.
“It’s good to have these interviews early in the school year because the students go on work experience in the last few weeks of next term,” Ms Fenech said.
“It can set them up so they can start thinking about networking and how to approach people in a professional environment.
“They are taken out of their comfort zone so it helps develop their confidence.”
Year 10 student Eden Sutherland said she already had a part time job but had never sat an interview with a panel before.
“I was extremely nervous. I was told I had good eye contact.
“Next time I sit an interview I will make sure I have a better understanding of what the job involves so that I can answer the questions with more confidence,” she said.
The interviews would not have the same meaning if members of the community did not give up their time to take part, Ms Fenech said.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we get from the local community.
“We had members of the police force, Chisholm TAFE and the chief executive of the Cranbourne Turf Club.
“The employers make the students rise to the challenge…we (teachers) could not deliver it with the same effect without them.”