Valuable experience for JGHS students

More than 150 Year 11 students at John Gray High School took part in mock interviews at the end of February to help them develop important skills that will help them in later life. Career Services Manager, Jenine Stewart, said students demonstrated professionalism, confidence, and career readiness during the programme, held from Tuesday, February 24 to Thursday, February 26, 2026, as part of John Gray High School Career Week.

The mock interviews formed a key highlight of Career Week, providing students with authentic, real-world interview experience. The week of activities wrapped up with a well-attended career fair on Friday, February 27, bringing together industry partners and students for further exploration of career pathways, Mrs Stewart advised.

Preparation for the Mock Interview Programme began in October 2025 when participating companies submitted job advertisements tailored specifically for JGHS students. This allowed students to apply for positions aligned with their interests, mirroring a real recruitment process.

Mrs Stewart officially launched the initiative during a school visit in that same month, guiding students in preparing professional résumés and cover letters. Students received practical advice on common pitfalls to avoid and were provided with sample documents to support their applications.

In addition, Giannie McLaughlin, Career Consultant at Connect by NOVA, met individually with students to assist in refining their applications. The submission deadline was December 12, 2025.

Prior to the interviews, Mrs Stewart returned alongside Marva Reid, HR Manager at Delta Air Lines, and Ms McLaughlin to conduct small-group sessions and mini-interviews. Students received constructive feedback, guidance on employer expectations, and coaching on professional presentation and interview etiquette.

To ensure every student was able to present confidently, students without professional business attire were supported by JGHS members of staff who assisted in sourcing appropriate clothing.

Ms Stewart noted there had been strong corporate and government participation. This year’s Mock Interview Programme welcomed interviewers from a broad range of respected organisations across the Cayman Islands, including:

• KPMG

• Ogier

• Cayman Turtle Centre

• Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

• Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman

• The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

• Grand Cayman Marriott Resort

• Palm Heights

• National Drug Council

• LUCA

• Ragazzi

• MOD Realty

• Health City Cayman Islands

• Health Services Authority

• Public Lands Inspectorate

• Red Sail Sports

• Connect by Nova

• Portfolio of the Civil Service

• Ministry of Education

• Office of the Premier

• National Roads Authority (NRA)

• Car City

• OWC HR and Immigration Services

Their involvement provided students with exposure to a wide range of industries.

“The interviews were widely praised as a resounding success,” Mrs Stewart said. “Several students received offers of employment, internships, and mentorship opportunities as a direct result of their outstanding performances.”

An interviewer stated:

“I would like to commend you and your team on how exceptionally well this program has been run. The quality of the students who participated in the interviews is clear evidence of the effort and preparation invested in them.

All of the students — including those I did not personally interview — presented themselves with confidence, professionalism, and poise. It was truly impressive to witness.

As noted on the review sheets, most of the students would have been strong hiring considerations had these been actual interviews. One student, in particular, stood out remarkably — she demonstrated such confidence and capability that I would have not only hired her on the spot but fund her training required.”

The Acting Principal of JGHS Patricia Forbes along with members of the JGHS Senior Management Team, addressed participating employers, expressing sincere appreciation for their continued partnership and support on behalf of the staff and students at John Gray High School.  They extended gratitude to all organisations for investing time, expertise and mentorship in the school’s young people.

The annual Mock Interview Programme is coordinated by Mrs Stewart, with the support of Ruel Haughton, Deputy Leader at JGHS. Together, they ensure that Career Week remains a transformative experience that bridges education and the workplace.

Career Week culminated on Friday, February 27, 2026, with the JGHS Career Fair. The event provided students with further opportunities to interact with employers, explore career pathways, and strengthen the partnerships that make initiatives such as the Mock Interview Programme possible.

The Career Services Unit and John Gray High School remain committed to preparing students not only for examinations, but for lifelong success in the world of work.