IF you were to go to most schools during the holidays the doors would be shut, computers switched off and students would not be around.
But it is a very different story at Bulwell Academy.
This Easter, the school's enterprise hub – a space created to mimic a real-life workplace environment – has been buzzing with year ten students.
The school has arranged a series of workshops where they can use the facilities to brush up on interview techniques and secure impressive work experience placements with the help of staff.
Director of business and enterprise at the Academy, Alison Bingham, said she was very impressed with the commitment and drive the students were demonstrating.
She said: "In these sessions the staff aren't acting as teachers. They are giving the students the tools to impress a potential employer and advice on how to make sure they are applying for the right placements.
"Careers advice has moved on in leaps and bounds at our Academy and we are tailoring advice specifically to each child, so that they know what their strengths are and how to optimise them."
One of the activities the students have taken part in is developing their telephone manner and how to speak to a potential employer on the phone.
Another asks them a series of psychometric profiling questions which works out whether the student is an influencer, a people person, a steadier who works hard for knowledge, a calculator who is logical and diplomatic or a driver who sees the bigger picture.
Ellie Flint, 15, wants to work in the catering industry with an overall goal of becoming a food technology teacher.
She said: "It's been so helpful coming into school and getting advice and tips. I feel happy with my CV now – it is simple, to the point and effective. It needs to be because there is so much competition for jobs.
"I'm trying to sort out a work experience placement in the catering department of the John Lewis restaurant. I think it is really important to get ahead of the game and learn how to be professional from a young age. More schools should do what my school is doing."
Anzar Hameed, also 15, is looking at engineering. He said: "My aim is to work for a multi-national company like Rolls-Royce or BMW. I've always had an interest in engineering and the teachers have helped me identify the skills I need to get into it.
"The activities have been really useful and I feel confident in what I'm doing. So many people are looking for jobs and it is good to have extra skills to put you ahead."
