Students at Neale-Wade Academy visited Smurfit Kappa for an assessment day to help them develop workplace skills.

As part of the March-based business’ recruitment programme, 10 Year 13 students not looking to going to university took part in a series of interviews and tasks.

The assessors judged the students on their teamwork, confidence, communication and presentation skills, as well as how individuals responded to the challenges.

One task was to work together in teams to design a tower made out of straws and pipe cleaners that would support a golf ball. Another was to choose a selection of items to take with a group whose spaceship had crashed on the moon; justifying each decision.

Students were then given feedback by Smurfit Kappa staff.

Zoe Leeder, who took part in the assessment day, said: “I can’t believe I got so much out of it.

“It has really helped boost my confidence in what can be a really stressful situation.

“I know I will be much more prepared for job interviews now.

“The staff at Smurfit Kappa were so helpful and honest about where I need to improve.”