I recently had the privilege of accompanying some of our 2010 students to their first job interviews. The results were outstanding. They aced their interviews!
Our students were amongst those interviewed for a position offered at a specialist engineering company for junior draughtsperson. They all arrived early and were smartly dressed. It started with a joint briefing from the MD on their company and a question and answer session on why the students want to work. Then it was down to the serious business of what they can do!
Their portfolios were scrutinised from end to end by both the MD and the Head Engineer of technical services. The first of their portfolios opened received a simultaneous “Wow” and I knew these students were on their way. Throughout this scrutiny further comments were made and feedback given to the applicants about their great standard of work. (Here, thanks must go to the dedicated team of lecturers and staff) Once this was completed each applicant was interviewed individually. Upon completion, all applicants were then thanked for their participation and told that they would shortly be informed who the lucky ones were.
Lucky they are, but it was not luck alone that enabled them to stand out.
One of the biggest concerns of both students and parents alike is that once they complete the programme will they find gainful employment.
At Academy IDT we focus on all the skills that you would need to be able to make an impact in the draughting and design arena. It starts with their appearance and at Academy IDT professional work atire is mandatory. (collar and tie for the men.) Our students are prepared throughout the year while doing various presentations and real world projects for this very day. For them, interviews and presenting their work is second nature. They understand the wealth of opportunity in criticism while realising that they must take it from whence it comes. By using a multi-disciplinary approach to training we are able to equip our students with a variety of skills in a number of industries. This enables them to approach various sectors when applying for jobs.
Although we do not guarantee work for the student once they complete the programme, we assist our students where we can. Their work ethic, people skills, attention to detail and quality of draughting during their year of study determine which students are placed first. We often have requests from companies that need junior draughspersons. Based on the type of work needed and the people representing the company we are then able to provide them with recommendations.
The students and employers are now part of the seed fund. Our congratulations must go to both Dean and Willie on their success.
We wish them all the best in their new endeavours at ET in 2011. We know they will do us proud while never forgetting their roots at their Academy IDT family.
