Mock Interview Day Gives Year 10 Students a Taste of the World of Work

26 Feb 2026

Year 10 students at Park Vale Academy were truly under the spotlight on Wednesday 25th February as they took part in our annual Mock Interview Day. More than 20 employers from a wide range of organisations generously gave their time to support the event, coordinated by the Academy’s Careers Adviser, Miss Koppoe.

The purpose of the day was to give students valuable experience of a real‑life, one‑to‑one interview with a professional from industry. Students arrived prepared and conducted themselves with maturity—greeting interviewers confidently, offering a handshake, introducing themselves and presenting their carefully prepared CVs.

Feedback from students, staff, volunteers and employers was overwhelmingly positive. For many of our students, this was their very first formal interview, and while it was initially a daunting prospect, they rose to the challenge. Students received personalised verbal feedback on their interview technique, the quality of their CVs, and practical advice on how to stand out in a competitive job market. Written feedback will also be provided for inclusion in their portfolios.

The event was a huge success, and we are extremely proud of all our Year 10 students for their professionalism and enthusiasm. We are also deeply grateful to our volunteer interviewers—including representatives from local businesses, members of our governing body, and members of the Trust—whose support plays a vital role in helping our students develop essential employability skills.

Our sincere thanks go to:

• Natasha Warner, IT Service Manager, E.ON
• Marcus Robinson, Head of Estates, Redhill Academy Trust
• Dale Aitcheson, Service Management Manager, E.ON
• Charlotte Kendall, School Outreach, Nottingham College
• Khaleeq Rehman, Assistant Tax Manager, KPMG LLP
• Isabella Long, Social Impact, Balfour Beatty
• Paula Hancock, Assistant Professor – Professional Practice and Partnership Lead, The University of Nottingham
• Matthew Massey, Assistant Manager, KPMG LLP
• Samuel O’Boyle, Environmental & Sustainability Advisor, Balfour Beatty
• Alan J.W. Langton, Retired Headmaster
• Michael Ackroyd, Retired Dentist, Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club
• Sarah Roe, School Counsellor, Park Vale Academy
• Glenn Turner, Master Mariner – Superintendent Safety and Admin (Retired), MARC (Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club)
• Richard Pannell, Retired Chartered Surveyor and Company Director, Mapperley Rotary Club
• Tracey Crawford, Space Programme Manager, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
• Harinder Nagra, Graduate Energy Engineer, Balfour Beatty
• Madeline Tanner, Graduate Energy Engineer, Balfour Beatty
• Jas Gill, Service Integration Manager, E.ON
• Laura Grainger, Social Value Manager, Keepmoat
• Jared Measures, Think Big Programme Assistant, Nottingham Forest
• Hayley Parker, Community Engagement Worker, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

The dedication of all involved helped create an inspiring and memorable experience for our students—an excellent foundation for their future careers.