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Employer Mentoring

Mentoring is a partnership in which an experienced person (the mentor) shares their knowledge, experience and insights with a less experienced person (the mentee).

"Mentoring is mutually beneficial for the student and employer."
Kathryn Deeney, Mentor, Plymouth City Council

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Case study

University of Plymouth Employer Mentoring Programme

The University of Plymouth Employer Mentoring Programme aims to match disabled students with employers who provide support, advice and an insight into a particular industry or sector. Students from any year group or discipline can take part in the programme. Some referrals have come from the Disability Assist Service or students can self-refer. Students are asked to identify their career ideas and to nominate several names of companies or a particular sector of work that they are considering so that Careers Service staff can find an appropriate mentor. Funding was received from the South West Regional Development Agency for staff time, printing resources, and refreshments at the Celebration Event.

Tips

Utilise any existing employer contacts
Highlight the benefits to employers and students
Prepare both students and employers so that expectations are realistic and objectives are met
Provide information so that students and employers can easily refer back to programme guidelines
Celebrate success and progress made by individuals

Pitfalls to avoid

Don't underestimate the time required for contacting and setting up employers
Ensure that the mentors are aware what the mentoring relationship involves. It is not counselling or a tutor-student relationship. Expectations of this programme must be discussed and addressed.

"Having a mentor opened doors and provided opportunities to make contact with and meet people from other organisations."
Mentee, University of Plymouth Mentoring Programme

Resources developed

Mentoring Information Pack

Employer Profile Form

Student Profile Form

Employer Mentoring Powerpoint Presentation