Mentors


Information for potential mentors

 

Am I eligible to be a mentor?

Mentors are welcome from private, public, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations. Ideally you will have three or more years experience within your sector.

 

Who would I be mentoring?

All mentees will be current students or very recent graduates with the ambition to work in your sector. They will be from various universities and higher education institutions across the Northwest and we will do our best to ensure you are paired with a student located in the vicinity of your place of work.

 

How will this scheme benefit me?

Previous mentors have gained numerous benefits from the scheme:

  • Sharing your knowledge and experience

  • Working with motivated and enthusiastic students

  • Developing management, mentoring and coaching skills

  • Helping develop the regions future workforce

  • Establishing and maintaining close links with the Universities

  • Raising the profile of your company

  • Opportunities to network

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 role and past experience in the sector.

     

  • September - November

    Using this information, we then draw up a short list of potential mentees based on the criteria you suggest, which may be the type of course the students are studying or the type of career they have expressed an interest in. You will then have the final choice of who to mentor.

  • December

    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 mentee.

  • December-end of March

    During this period the mentor-mentee meetings will take place. There will also be a workshop in spring, to explore careers and placements.

    What is my commitment?

    Mentors are asked to meet with their mentee at least four times during the programme, at a time and place that is convenient to both parties. On average mentors volunteer for 12-15 hours over the 6 months period. We expect students to take the lead in arranging these meetings and determining the topics they wish to discuss at each meeting.