Jones County High School students gained valuable realworld experience through two days of mock interviews that brought local industry leaders onto campus.
Approximately 470 students sat for interviews with nearly 40 professionals from 26 businesses and organizations on January 22 and February 3.
JCHS Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator Lori Varnadoe said the event was a powerful example of community support.
“Over the course of two days, students participated in 10–12-minute mock interviews, gaining valuable real-world experience that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom. Our students had the opportunity to practice communication skills, receive feedback, and build confidence for future careers. The strong participation from our meaningful business and industry partners reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for life beyond high school, and the success of these mock interviews truly highlights the power of community collaboration,” Varnadoe said.
Reeves Construction Company interviewer Luke Smith said the event strengthens ties between industry and local students.
“It’s been a good way to get our name out there and help the students, too,” Smith said.
He praised the JCHS heavy equipment operator pathway.
“I think Jones County does a good job with the programs they have in place. I work for Reeves Construction, so the heavy equipment operator program is kind of what we have worked closely with. Those students seem really engaged. They are informed about the industry and the opportunities in our industry. They’ve done a good job participating and asking questions, and just really being involved. Jones County does a great job preparing them for that next step,” he said.
He added that the interviews help his company connect with future workers.
“It’s been good. When you think about trying to build a workforce with the next generation of workers, it’s good to make contact with students like this. I mean, we get to put our name out there and then see who’s going to come through,” he said.
Smith said his team looks forward to returning.
“We appreciate everything Jones County High School is doing, and we look forward to working with them again in the future,” he said.
Sheridan Construction representative and JCHS alumnus Caleb Meeks said the experience allowed him to reflect on his own career growth.
“I graduated from here in 2017, and I came through the same program that these students are, and I have sat on the other side of the interview, so it was pretty neat seeing it from this side of things. I remember my own interviews as a student vividly, and I think Jones County has come a long way in this area of learning,” Meeks said.
He noted that JCHS students impressed him with their strong work ethic.
“Typically, I go to colleges for this sort of thing, and this is my first high school, but it seems like Jones County students are very hands-on and so hardworking,” he said.
Meeks said the event helped him appreciate his own development, highlighting the benefit of the mock interviews for the local business partners as well as the students.
“It has made me realize how far I have come since I was on the other side of the desk. The other things I realized are how much these high school years are here to build you up as a student and help you grow and get into the workforce,” he said.
Mid-State Synthetic Walls representative Erica Sementilli explained that her local company already employs two former JCHS students and hopes to expand its partnership through Work-Based Learning.
“With the mock interviews, I am very much of the #ourtown mindset, in that people don’t realize how much opportunity is right here in our own back door. I think being able to make connections with these students is critical because they have all of these resources right here in front of them, which gives them the opportunity to be successful and to truly build a career,” she said.
She praised the maturity she witnessed.
“Seeing the maturity of some of the students, it has been phenomenal to see that characteristic in them. I think that speaks to what the school has built here in Jones County,” she said.
She added that the interviews help companies find strong local talent.
“It’s really just about networking and finding a workforce that’s right here and available, that’s such a hard thing in today’s industry, in today’s world. But there are great candidates willing to show up, learn, and work. Putting us out there makes that a possibility,” she said.
Yancey Bros representative Chad Jackson said his company, the oldest CAT dealer in the nation, has hired 10 JCHS graduates in the last three years.
“We do WBL for high schoolers, through their senior year, they’ll come to work with us. They think they want to become a technician, and they come to work for us in an entrylevel position. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they transition into a full-time career with us as a technician,” Jackson said.
He credited Jones County families for building a dependable workforce.
“In Jones County, everyone in our area is working class. We pair with Jones County because of that. Because we know the work ethic and the structure these students get from their parents,” he said.
He also commended Jones County students’ drive.
“They’re hungry to get after work. They’ve shown up, and they’re dedicated,” he said.
Students participating in the event shared that the interviews boosted confidence and communication skills.
Eleventh grader Mylan Ragins, a phlebotomy student, said her classes prepared her well.
“I think my teachers have really prepared me to know what it is like to go into an interview. Many of the courses I take involve doing these interviews. It definitely makes me more confident in my skills,” she said.
Katie Brannigan, also an 11th grader, completed two interviews.
“I think it went really well. I had been preparing a lot with my teachers, who gave me sheets to practice interview questions, and they prepared me to ask questions to the interviewers myself,” she said.
Jakyiah Cleveland said the experience strengthened her communication skills.
“The skills I feel like students should have good communication skills. We have to know how to talk to people and use our words, and this helps with that,” she said.
Austin Bloodworth said confidence is key.
“I feel great after my interview. I am not really nervous or worried because I was so prepared. A lot of high schoolers are nervous when they first get out into the world, and they don’t really have experience with interviewers, and this experience really just helps you be ready for that,” he said.
Atrium Health Navicent representative Nicole Monserrat praised the students’ professionalism.
“Talking with Jones County students has been great. I am very surprised at how well the students have been able to communicate and interview really well. The word that keeps popping into my head about Jones County students is driven. These students are eager to learn. This experience has been a breath of fresh air, reminding me personally why I am doing what I am doing,” she said.
Jones County High School says it will continue building partnerships that support students as they prepare for careers after graduation.
