Information for potential mentees
Sustainability Mentoring NW is a career-mentoring scheme open to all students and recent graduates in the Northwest who are interested in the environmental technologies and sustainable communities sectors.
Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor with a number of years experience in this sector and who will offer you knowledge and guidance about starting out in your career.
Am I eligible?
The scheme is open to all current students at universities or HEIs in the Northwest region. It is open to undergraduates, postgraduate and very recent graduates. Students may be studying any degree discipline but must be considering a career in these areas.
Who would be my mentor?
Mentors come from a broad range of professional backgrounds in the public and private sectors. Mentors in previous years have worked for organisations such as the Environment Agency, United Utilities, environmental consultancies, social and urban regeneration companies and a host of other organisations.
How could this scheme benefit me?
What does the Scheme Involve?
The scheme is free of charge and only 12-15 hours time commitment over a 6-month period. During this time, you'll get an insight into what your ideal job really involves and the confidence to get it.
The programme outline
We collect application forms all through the year however September is the main time for recruiting. During this time we would ask you to complete our online form, which gives us details of your current course details, career aspirations and any other relevant information.
Your submitted application will be considered by the Sustainability Mentoring NW team, who will endeavour to match you with a suitable mentor. Places on the Sustainability Mentoring NW programme are limited and therefore the application process is highly competitive. It is advisable to submit your online application as soon as possible as places are allocated on a first come first served basis. We cannot guarantee a place for all applicants.
Both the mentor and student are invited to attend a two-hour induction session, which is designed to explain the process of mentoring and allow discussion of any expectations or concerns. At the completion of the induction you will be formally introduced to your mentor.
During this period you should meet with your mentor a minimum of four times. There will also be a placements and careers workshop in spring.
What is my commitment?
If you are selected for Sustainability Mentoring NW, you will be expected to
Be committed - Mentors are there to advise but this is your career development and the programme only works if you invest some time and attention.
Each of our Mentors are volunteers and are kindly offering to devote a little of their valuable time to assist a Northwest student. Applicants must treat this opportunity as a partnership and ensure they commit fully to the programme.
Sustainability Mentoring NW reserves the right to refuse applications from individuals who they feel will not be able to meet the level of commitment required.