What does mentoring involve?
- Meeting a young person periodically in school
- Taking an interest in the young person's progress at school
- Communication in a fun, informal way
What commitment is needed?
- Two hours for an initial mentor training session in school
- Time for a 1/2 hr - 1hr meeting every three weeks
- Willingness to establish a relationship with a youngster over one or two school years
- The support of your employer
- To send and receive e-mails averaging one per week, term time only
Mentoring makes a difference because:
The young person:
- Gains self confidence and is better motivated
- Receives individual support and encouragement
- Develops communication and time planning skills
- Improves his or her achievements at school
- Gains a window into the world of work
- Learns to appreciate the personal qualities sought by employers
- Acquires a sense of his or her place in the adult community
What makes a good mentor?
Anyone can be a mentor if they are enthusiastic, patient and can relate to young people.
An ideal mentor might be some
of these:
- Interested
- Approachable
- A good communicator
- Reliable
- Positive
- Realistic
A mentor does NOT have to be:
- A manager
- An expert on education
- A graduate
- A trained counsellor
- Under the age of 30
- A parent of teenage children!
The Mentor
Has a chance to help local youngsters.
Gains a sense of achievement:
- Explains the world of work and its priorities
- Gains insight into the concerns of young people
- Gains a clearer understanding of the education system
- Refines communication skills
The Mentor's Employer
- Makes a valuable contribution to the local community
- Develops links with local educational establishments
- Benefits from staff development
- Gains good PR
- Develops an enhanced understanding of the education system
How do I get involved?
You can either:
email us at info@bas-consort.org.uk
or telephone us on 01256 84071
or complete our Getting Involved
application form.