Mentoring a Career Academy student

Do you want to develop your coaching and mentoring skills?

Mentoring a Career Academy student allows you to fit a volunteering opportunity around your schedule while making a real difference to the life of a young person. 

Did you know that one of the most commonly cited reasons for employers rejecting young workers is their lack of employability skills – resilience, self-discipline, time-keeping, teamwork – summed up in the phrase ‘the right attitude’?

Career Academy students have the academic potential to get a job, but lack the right networks, role models and aspirations. Our programme gives them regular contact with employers just like you, who can help them develop this "right attitude", teaching them anything from the value of a proper handshake to a well-researched presentation as well as opening their eyes to the wide range of job opportunities that exist in specific sectors.

With your help, these students will not swell the ranks of the unemployed, but go on to positive destinations with the abilities to pursue successful careers.

The role

As a mentor, you play a crucial part in the student's journey from education to the workplace, acting as a guide, sounding board and critical friend.

You will be matched with a 16-19 year old while they pursue their studies (equivalent to three A-Levels/Scottish Highers) and prepare for employment or university.

Career Academies UK has been working with volunteers for twelve years and provide ongoing structured support to ensure this is a mutually beneficial relationship.  

• Develop coaching, communication and interpersonal skills
• Appreciate first hand the issues young people face on leaving school
• Talent spot for future employees
• Make a real difference to a young person’s career aspirations

You should currently be in work and want to raise the aspirations of a young person. Training is provided for all mentors.

Length of commitment and flexibility

Face-to-face mentoring: You will be matched with a student who you will meet a minimum of 10 times over 18 months across two academic years. You arrange the meetings at a time convenient to you both. Meetings usually last up to 90 minutes (mostly in your workplace).

Download a full description of the mentoring role. 

If you are interested in e-mentoring, please note that we have currently reached our required quota for this year and we would ask you to consider face-to-face mentoring instead. However, spaces may become available and if you would like to know more or be considered for any spaces that might arise, please contact [email protected]. 

Still not convinced?

In research by FreshMinds, 75% listed professional development as a benefit of engaging with the Career Academy programme.

Read the research here.

To become a mentor, contact us here or email [email protected] with your name, company and contact number. Please mention where you heard about the opportunity.