From a personal point of view there is something almost magical in watching the transformation of students. Thinking that I could have helped one student change their future direction would make 20 years of mentoring worthwhile.
Barry Sewell, UK BPO Service Delivery Leader at RSA
We all have to start somewhere. But not everyone has the advantage of friends and families to act as role models. That’s why we need people like you to mentor a Career Ready student. A mentor is a student’s guide, sounding board and critical friend.
Career Ready offers two types of mentoring:
16-18 year old students
You will be matched with an individual student and meet up with them regularly at a time convenient to both of you.
Together you can:
- Reflect on recent or upcoming activities, reinforcing learning with real life examples
- Give them tips on business culture and workplace etiquette
- Practice skills from time management to problem solving or interview techniques
- Widen their network of contacts and help them learn how to connect
14-15 year old students
You will be matched with two students and work in a small group with another mentor who also has two student mentees. This is a pilot programme operating in five English areas: Stoke-on-Trent, the Black Country, Southend, Thurrock and London.
Together you can:
- Help them to understand the variety of career opportunities available to them
- Make them aware of the skills employers need and help them to develop these
- Support them in reflecting on how they can present themselves to employers
16-18 year old | 14-15 year old | |
Frequency of meeting | Monthly (January to December) | Monthly (October to September) |
Location of meeting | Mentor's workplace with three group sessions in school/college | School with final celebratory meeting in a workplace |
Length of meeting | Approx. 90 minutes | Approx. 45 minutes |
Training provided for mentors | Briefing and toolkit | Briefing and toolkit |
Other features of the programme | Masterclasses, workplace visits and experience of work | Masterclasses and a workplace visits |
During the programme, having a mentor was the most significant influence for me. Learning from Adrian encouraged me to become a mentor myself because I wanted to offer other young people who are just like I was the same opportunities I've had.
Roan Latimer, former Career Ready student, now working at BlackRock
Career Ready has been working with volunteers for over a decade and we will give you structured support and online training. Our aim is to make sure that both you and the student you are mentoring get the most out of this potentially life-changing experience.
Our mentors have a wide range of backgrounds from recent graduates to managing directors, in both the public and private sector.
Becoming a mentor gives you a range of benefits including developing coaching skills and spotting future talent for your company, but it’s the feeling you get from knowing you’ve had a real impact on a young person’s life that is so special.