[gallery ids="3060,3061,3062"] Students at the CWA aspiring for a career in health and social care have been put to the test in the form of ‘Mock Interviews’ by staff from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn. The opportunity comes as part of the hospital’s “Grow Your Own” initiative supporting the Trust’s work force of the future by investing in local students. Working in partnership with the Nursing & Paramedic students at the college and some local schools, the initiative promotes the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as an employer and illustrates the variety of different development routes into an NHS career with the hospital. The hospital has already provided sessions on a good application, the next stage was to invite students to a ‘mock interview’. The day also comprised of team building exercises and a tour of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Gerry Dryden, Director of HR, said: “This is a great way to for us to engage with potential employees of the future. It not only enables students to practice a variety of interview techniques ready for university applications or on the job training in healthcare, but we hope by inviting students into the hospital they can get a real feel for what it is like to work in a busy NHS hospital. It is important to show aspiring health care professionals the dedication of our staff today to ensure the same level of enthusiasm and care is secured for the future. I also hope the Grow Your Own initiative inspires students to join our Trust.” Students who took part said they enjoyed the opportunity to experience a variety of different interview styles; and the event challenged them to not only promote themselves in their interview answers, but consider how, as a potential employee they can meet the Trust’s values and objectives. Julia Saunders, Practice Development Nurse at the hospital, said “The days were fantastic, the students really enjoyed the experience and so did the staff who helped. I went home with a real buzz”.