Virtual Interviews Held in the Northwest Region
By Annette ZeebDespite ongoing hurricanes and COVID-19 quarantines, virtual mock interviews in honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month were held at schools in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties on October 30.
The Northwest Region of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities partnered with CareerSource Escarosa and the schools to facilitate the event. Employers were recruited for the event with 19 agreeing to participate. Employers participating included Division of Blind Services, BRACE, Buffalo Rock-Pepsi, Children’s Home Society, Global Connections to Employment, CareerSource Escarosa, Escambia County, Escambia County School District, Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola State College, Chick-fil-A, and Blue Wahoos. One employer participated from as far as California.
Comments from employers included, “There was not one young person who was not totally on point! The work ethic, their education plans and goals…their collective desires to be independent and have families of their own in the future, were the resonant thread in EVERY interview.” The employers were flexible, patient, and complimentary of the opportunity to participate and meeting the students. 54 students were able to participate in the event, some remotely from their homes. The students enjoyed the experience and the positive, encouraging feedback. One student was offered an opportunity to interview for potential employment. The schools are hoping to do this again on March 5, 2021.
The Northwest Region of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities partnered with CareerSource Escarosa and the schools to facilitate the event.
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