At ASH Integrated Services, we believe that preparing young people for the world of work starts with confidence and exposure to real employer expectations.
This month, our Director, Antony Grace, spent the day at The Edge in Wigan, with Standish High School, supporting Year 11 students through mock interviews.
These sessions gave students the chance to experience what a real interview feels like.
Creating a Comfortable, Confidence-Building Environment
Antony created a relaxed environment where each student could speak openly about their interests, skills, and ambitions.
The focus was on helping the students communicate clearly and confidently.
Antony said:
“I remember being a teenager and not having a clue what to say in an interview.
Getting experience early on makes a huge difference. My job wasn’t to judge, it was to help them feel relaxed, confident, and capable of stepping into the real world.”
Experiences like this are especially important in industries such as engineering, where the skills gap continues to grow.
Many young people don’t realise how many opportunities exist in mechanical and electrical engineering, renewable technologies, building management systems, and related technical fields.
Why Interview Practice Matters More Than Ever
Schools deliver academic learning, but students often lack interview experience, workplace awareness, and professional communication skills.
These mock interviews help bridge the gap between education and employment.
Several Standish students asked Antony about apprenticeships, technical training, and earning-while-learning pathways.
This curiosity is exactly what we want to inspire.
Career planning doesn’t begin at 16. It begins when someone first sees what’s possible.
Our Ongoing Commitment to Local Talent
This initiative forms part of ASH’s wider commitment to nurturing local talent.
We work with schools, colleges, and education networks to ensure students develop real-world skills and have access to real employer guidance.
The students at Standish High School were engaged, curious, and willing to challenge themselves.
For many, this session will make their first real interview an encouraging rather than an intimidating experience.
