A DIRECTOR from a national housebuilder has been helping the next generation of employees prepare for working life on a visit to a Romsey school.

James Dunne, managing director at Barratt Homes Southampton Division, called into The Mountbatten School earlier in October for a “special skills day”, where he spoke to 15- and 16-year-olds about how to navigate interview questions from future employers.

In one-to-one mock interview sessions, James spent the day talking to pupils about how best to come across when meeting an employer for the first time. He explained how to prepare, gave them some confidence tips, and ran through a series of typical interview questions.

Sindy Shakya, head of careers at the Mountbatten School said that the children enjoyed the day and that the feedback she received was very positive.

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She said: “The students came away from their sessions buzzing and excited, and they all said they felt a lot more confident about future interviews, which is fantastic. A huge thank you to James at Barratt Homes for coming along today - it’s been very productive.”

James said that he was delighted to have an opportunity to work with the region’s young people, saying: “Interviews are something we all must go through to secure the job that we want, which is why it’s good to be aware of what’s involved beforehand.

“It has been great to come and speak to the schoolchildren at The Mountbatten School today. By working with the communities in which we are building we can help prepare the next generation of workers for their future careers, whether that be in construction or elsewhere.”