Supporting communities and helping people prepare for the future of work has always been an important part of what we stand for at Nétive VMS. Recently, this commitment came to life in the UK, as members of our team volunteered at a CV and Interview Skills Workshop delivered through a partnership between JINC and Causeway Education.
The workshop marked the launch of a UK pilot programme; building on several years of successful collaboration between Nétive VMS and JINC in the Netherlands, where we have supported workforce education initiatives designed to help young people develop practical employability skills.
Across two interactive sessions, Nétive VMS volunteers worked directly with students to demystify the recruitment process and build confidence ahead of future job applications.
Through interview role plays, practical demonstrations, and open discussions, students explored:
One of the most engaging moments came when volunteers performed an intentionally unsuccessful interview, inviting students to identify what went wrong. This hands-on approach encouraged participation and helped students recognise common pitfalls in a safe, supportive environment before trying role plays themselves.
Students arrived with a wide range of ambitions - from aspiring chefs and architects to future professional athletes - while others were still discovering their career paths. Regardless of their direction, what stood out was their enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to engage.
Recognising Skills Beyond the Classroom
A key message shared throughout the workshop was that experience comes in many forms. Activities such as team sports, extracurricular clubs, or achievements like the Duke of Edinburgh Award all help build valuable transferable skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, and resilience.
Helping students recognise the value of these experiences proved particularly impactful, reinforcing that employability is not only shaped by academic achievement but also by everyday personal development.
Outstanding Feedback from Students and Teachers
The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback, confirming the value of connecting industry professionals with young learners.
Student Feedback Highlights
“The advice given was easy to understand and will definitely help me in the future.”
“It helped me not to be nervous. Quality session — learned a lot.”
“I now know how to stand confident and succeed during an interview.”
“It will help me secure a job in the future.”
The measurable outcomes were equally encouraging:
96% of students said they always or often understood the information provided
88% reported learning something new through the activities
91% said they now have greater understanding of interview preparation and the world of work
Teachers also praised the sessions, highlighting the supportive delivery style and the value of deliberate interview practice supported by real-world feedback.
A Meaningful Impact
For Nétive VMS, initiatives like this form an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility approach. Supporting young people as they transition from education into employment aligns closely with our mission to improve workforce outcomes through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
Even helping one student gain confidence would have made the experience worthwhile; but seeing such widespread impact made the workshop especially rewarding for everyone involved.
The Power of Collaboration
The success of the day demonstrates just how powerful collaboration between education and industry can be. When businesses share practical insight and lived experience, students gain exposure to the realities of the workplace in ways that traditional classroom learning alone cannot provide.
We are proud to have contributed to a programme that has already proven so valuable and are delighted that, following its success, the initiative is set to continue next year.
A huge thank you goes to the organisers, educators, and (most importantly) the students, whose energy and openness made the day both inspiring and memorable.