Mentoring

"Mentoring is a goal oriented process that supports learning. It seeks to complement existing sources of learning, development and support. In general terms mentoring is a form of learning; a process in which a (usually) more experienced person (the mentor) passes on know how to someone less experienced. Mentoring tends to focus on softer skills, problem solving, decision making and working with others, rather than technical competence. Mentoring captures the informal learning that happens in many different environments, making it an exceptionally effective option for organisations or businesses.” Glasgow Mentoring Network

One to one mentoring provides direct support to young people experiencing difficulties with their social, emotional, physical or mental health that are having an impact on their engagement with their training provider.

We have identified four areas of risk that impact on young people in training:

• Mental, emotional or physical health issues
• Poor educational experiences
• Relationship with family or peers
• Substance misuse

Young people who present with these risks may have issues with engagement, attendance, retention, progression and achievement.

A mentor will meet with the young person once a week to address these issues and support the young person to engage with additional support services in their area.

This individual mentoring relationship allows a structured and positive approach to engage effectively with young people.

It provides the opportunity to create a non-judgemental relationship, where young people can talk about the issues affecting them.

It also helps that young person to set and achieve goals, develop their skills as well as manage their own learning and development.

By providing direct mentoring support to young people facing some or all of these issues, we aim to improve the outcomes for young people on the programme.