Member Article

North East firms unite as 1,000 young people take part in Esh Group interview event

In an event organised by construction firm Esh Group, supported by a plethora of North East businesses, around 1,000 of the region’s young people have taken part in a mass interview day.

Held at St James’ Park in Newcastle, the day was designed to help improve future job prospects for school leavers. Around 30 schools took part from Cumbria, County Durham, Tyneside and Teesside.

Part of Esh Group’s ‘Building my Skills’ initiative, firms from across a wide range of sectors were lined up to conduct the interviews.

The young interviewees were able to use a breakout space to polish up their interview skills, collect further information on interviewing businesses and job opportunities.

Esh Group directly employs around 1,200 people through its businesses in the North East, in everything from civil engineering and building, and commercial and residential property development.

Chief Executive Brian Manning thanked the partner companies for their support with the Building My Skills programme throughout the year and his staff for their hard work in putting together and running the event.

“Without other businesses being willing to be involved this wouldn’t be possible – I am delighted with the turn-out and commitment to helping students in the North East.

“The response from both schools and businesses to our invitation was excellent. Everyone recognised the importance of this kind of event in helping young people improve their career prospects.

“Some young people in the North East are still struggling to find jobs – yet companies such as Esh Group and our panel members know we will depend on today’s school-leavers for our future skilled workforce.

“So it made sense to create a forum where they could get together. We have held the mock interviews for several years but this by far the biggest and most ambitious event.

“The day gave young people a realistic experience that will help them in future interviews and provided an opportunity to gain insight into the world of work.

“We also hope that some students have made connections with businesses on the day that could lead to apprenticeships or placements once they leave school.”