The transition from education to the workplace can be a daunting one, but hands-on experiences and industry connections can make all the difference. As part of the Digital Futures Programme, students from four University Technical Colleges (UTCs) recently took part in career development days with employers from 10+ data centre companies.
These events were designed to equip students with essential career skills, boost their confidence, and introduce them to the wide range of opportunities available in the digital and data centre sectors.
We were delighted to attend these events, supporting students as mock interviewers and delivering a CV and Personal Branding workshop.
Hands-on career preparation
Throughout the events, students took part in interactive sessions designed to develop key employability skills and prepare them for their future careers. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Mock interviews
- Personal branding
- Apprenticeships
- Communication skills
- CV skills
- Entrepreneurship
- University pathways
- Alumni networking
- Public speaking
- Team-building
By rotating through these sessions, students gained exposure to multiple aspects of career preparation. Each activity provided practical skills and real-world insights, giving students a strong foundation to build on as they move into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Stepping into the interview room
As part of their rotations, students attended mock interview sessions. Here, students had the opportunity to practise their interview skills with industry professionals in a real-world setting.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation and practice can make all the difference. The goals of these sessions were to:
- Build students’ confidence in speaking with employers.
- Provide practical experience to prepare for real interviews.
- Offer constructive feedback to help students improve.
- Encourage students to think critically about their skills and strengths.
Each 30-minute interview included real-time feedback from employers, giving students a chance to reflect on their answers and ask questions about the interview process.
Students were asked a range of common interview questions to help them articulate their skills, experiences, and ambitions, including:
- Tell me about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
- Can you give an example of when you showcased teamwork? Leadership? Good organisation?
- What do you enjoy most about your education?
- What extracurricular activities or achievements are you most proud of?
- Where do you see yourself in one, five, or ten years?
By working through these questions in a supportive environment, students developed well-structured answers and gained confidence in their ability to sell themselves to future employers.
Real world impact
The mock interviews provided students with invaluable practice and personalised feedback, helping them refine their communication skills and professional approach.
One student shared:
“I would recommend these sessions to other people as it gives you a good idea of interviews, apprenticeships, and the importance of LinkedIn.”
Another said:
“It was a very informative day and helped with understanding more about apprenticeships and how to present yourself in the world of work.”
Engagement was exceptionally high with many students saying they now feel more prepared for their future job applications. Several also noted that the sessions helped them identify both strengths and areas for improvement, giving them a clearer sense of direction.
Collaboration that drives change
Bridging the gap between education and the world of work isn’t always easy, but having industry support makes a huge difference. Events like these give students the chance to meet professionals, ask questions, and get a real feel for what working life is like.
Partners of the Digital Futures Programme include:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Ark Data Centres
- CBRE
- CNet Training
- CyrusOne
- Digital Realty
- LMG
- Virtus Data Centres
- Yondr
The Digital Futures Programme is all about helping young people feel ready for what comes next. By bringing together students, employers, and educators, it’s giving the next generation the skills and confidence to take their first steps into the digital industry.
We’re really proud to be part of this and can’t wait for the next event!
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