Mentoring Network for New Apprentices

There was a need to retain local people who currently have a job on site which would convert to an apprenticeship, but the apprenticeship is several months away from starting. It is not uncommon for local people starting on site to be placed in teams with different backgrounds or cultures from their own.  In a number of cases the new ‘apprentice’ can feel nervous about the considerable experience their team members have, in comparison to the apprentice who, more often than not, is new to construction.

To counter this the project team established a mentoring network which matches senior managers, engineers and package managers with local operatives and apprentices new to the industry so they can help them to manage their career and improve skills by providing support, guidance and encouragement.

This created an environment where both parties can talk freely, by developing a trusting and ongoing relationship in which both parties feel comfortable giving and receiving advice and feedback, with conversations focusing on career and personal development.

The benefits of this were to develop leadership and management skills across the business, improves individuals communication and personal skills, reinforces participants knowledge and skills. increase in confidence, enhances mentor’s CV, promotes self reflection and expands personal networks.