Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI) Program

"Seeing students walk into the interviews nervous and then come out with relief and joy—that to me is what makes this program great."

Louisa Di Donato, Careers & Pathways Manager at St Helena Secondary College, recently participated in the RIJI program for the first time, achieving remarkable success. The program, designed to equip students with essential employability skills, became a transformative experience for both Louisa and the 245 Year 9 students involved. Through her dedication and strategic preparation, Louisa managed to submit an outstanding number of polished resumes and cover letters, with 203 students successfully undertaking practice interviews on October 16.

From the outset, Louisa approached the program with enthusiasm, supported by a structured curriculum and resources supplied by BNLLEN. She collaborated closely with STRIVE teachers, ensuring they were well-informed about the program and equipped to deliver its lessons effectively. This collaboration was pivotal, as Louisa understood that the clarity and preparation of teachers would directly influence the students' engagement. Together, they led the students through a series of scaffolded activities, from decoding job advertisements to crafting professional resumes and cover letters. By term four, students were ready for the practical component of the program: the interviews.

One of the standout aspects of the RIJI program at St Helena was the involvement of industry partners like Gwen Melnyczuk-Tott from APM. Gwen's sessions on job decoding and interviewing not only inspired the students but also led to broader impacts. Through this partnership, APM provided additional support to two St Helena students with disabilities, helping them explore career pathways. Such outcomes underscore the ripple effect of connecting students with real-world industry experiences.

The transformation in students was profound. Many entered the program apprehensive, unfamiliar with the process of job applications or formal interviews. By the end, they had not only crafted resumes and cover letters but also gained confidence in presenting themselves professionally. Louisa recalled the visible change in students as they returned from their interviews—relieved and proud. For some, particularly those with additional needs or challenging home lives, this achievement was a significant milestone. Parents also expressed amazement at their children's growth, noting that the program set young people up to seamlessly enter the workforce with confidence.

The program’s impact extended beyond the students to the broader school community. Parents were impressed by the program’s structure and outcomes, and teachers appreciated the resources and guidance provided. Louisa’s reflection highlighted a key insight: the importance of non-verbal communication, which students identified as an area for further growth. She plans to incorporate this feedback into future iterations of the program.

Louisa’s first experience with RIJI exceeded her expectations, delivering meaningful learning outcomes for students and fostering valuable industry connections.

Five Year 9 students from St Helena Secondary College—Jacob, Ryan, Jack, Lachie, and Ben—participated in the 2024 RIJI program. The experience not only prepared them for the workforce but also instilled a newfound confidence in their abilities to present themselves professionally. Through a carefully scaffolded series of lessons and practical exercises, the program took them from uncertain beginners to proud participants walking out of their first interviews with a sense of achievement.

The group reflected on the structured journey that led to their success. Starting with lessons on decoding job advertisements, they moved on to writing polished resumes and cover letters. Each step built on the last, ensuring they felt prepared and supported. “It was a bit daunting at first,” admitted Lachie, “but having everything broken down into steps really helped. By the time we got to the interviews, I felt ready.”

On the day of the interviews, the boys admitted they were nervous boarding the bus. However, interacting with friendly volunteers during the practice interviews proved to be a transformative experience. “The interviewers were really helpful,” said Ryan. “They gave great feedback, and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. It actually felt good to talk about my strengths and what I can offer.”

The group agreed that the program had not only improved their understanding of the job application process but also boosted their confidence in speaking to adults outside their usual school environment. “I feel like I can go and apply for a job now,” shared Jacob. “Before RIJI, I wouldn’t have known where to start. Now I have a resume, a cover letter, and practice answering questions.”

The RIJI program left a lasting impression on all five students. As Jack summed up, “I liked doing it, and I feel like we all learned a lot—not just about job applications but about our skills, too.” For these boys, RIJI was more than a school activity—it was a meaningful step toward their future empowering them to enter the workforce with confidence.