Nearly 100 Post Middle School eighth graders participated in mock job interviews on Feb. 12 with representatives from businesses and other organizations. This is the first time that the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department has held mock interviews at the middle school level.
“We wanted to provide this opportunity for students in a low-pressure simulation,” said Mitch Taylor, Post Middle School CTE Teacher. “We know that many of these students will be getting jobs in high school and it’s important to prepare them for future workplaces or careers.”
Representatives from the Arlington School District, Skagit County, the city of Arlington, and Snohomish County PUD participated in the mock interviews.
Allison Stansberry, a 2018 Arlington High School graduate, interned with Snohomish County PUD while in college and currently works as a data engineer at the utility. She serves on the district’s CTE Advisory Board and mentors robotics students at Arlington High School.
“I love opportunities that provide students with hands-on experience at this age,” said Stansberry. “It prepares them for their first job in high school and also helps with their communication skills.”
Students spent several minutes interviewing with the representatives.
“This was my first time interviewing,” said eighth grader Wyatt Carter. “I think it went well but I could have done better. It’s important to learn these skills.”
“This is something you’re going to have to do for your first job,” said eighth grader Ada Baar. “It prepares you for the real world.”
February is Career and Technical Education Month which celebrates CTE, the accomplishments of CTE programs, and the importance of CTE for all students of all ages.