Pupils in Longlevens are brimming with confidence after taking part in a unique interview skills workshop run by GFirst.

Around 15 students at The Milestone School took part in the event organised by the economic development company on Wednesday, February 22.

The pupils were able to direct and participate in the workshop as a team of actors and professional trainers acted out an interview scenario, with the aim of giving them confidence to do well when it comes to the real thing.

Development Manager at GFirst, Mike Curran said:  "Building on the successful interview skills pilot at All Saints' Academy in Cheltenham a few weeks ago we decided to run a similar project with pupils at The Milestone School. The workshop provided a real opportunity for the students to interact with the performance whilst also having some fun. I think the result has been an outstanding success with a huge increase in the confidence and interview skills of the students involved."

Two workshops were held through the day for the students between 14 and 16 years old at Longlevens RFC, next to the Community Special School that provides education for students with a wide range of Special Educational Needs, in Longford Lane.

Pupil Summer Owens, 14, from Ruardean, said: "It was good. I learnt to be more confident and less nervous at interviews because I know I can do it now."

Funded by Gloucestershire County Council it is one of six pilots aimed at delivering private sector-led, high quality enterprise and innovation support for students while improving the links between businesses and schools.

Gloucestershire County Councillor Brian Robinson said: "This project will help students better prepare themselves for the different types of interviews that they may face in the future. There are many opportunities out there for students including college and work and in the long run, we hope this will help them get those places."