Help local Year 10 students prepare for the world of work
26 Oct 2012
The University is looking for mentors for the next stage of its programme of work with a local secondary school – this year, Gorton Education Village.
In recent years, the Directorate of Human Resources and the Directorate of Estates and Facilities have each been involved in a programme of work with local students. This has ranged from students making films about their experiences of visiting the University to working with staff as part of the course work for a BTEC in Hospitality and Catering.
This year’s school
Cedar Mount Academy is part of Gorton Education Village and is a secondary school which serves Gorton and the adjacent communities.
As youth unemployment continues to grow, the University and the school have developed a mentoring scheme which will give University staff the opportunity to support local young people as they begin to think about their futures.
The 2013 programme
This new programme, which will run from January to April 2013, builds upon the experiences of the earlier schemes and is in support of Goal 3 of Manchester 2015 Agenda and the wider strategy of contributing to a reduction in unemployment in the University’s neighbouring communities.
The programme is aimed specifically at students who are unlikely to continue into further and higher education, and will be delivered in small groups and one-to-one sessions.
Staff who volunteer as mentors will be able to use their work experience and wider life skills to support, mentor and encourage the young people within a structured setting.
Students will develop practical skills in how to get a job and also improve their confidence through engaging with adults in an unfamiliar setting and ultimately make themselves more employable.
In addition to mentoring and group work, the young people will participate in a work experience programme which will give them an insight into how the University operates alongside general experience of the world of work. Work experience will be offered in:
- Administration
- Catering
- Estates
- Technical resources
Who can apply to be a mentor?
We are calling for volunteers from a range of job roles and backgrounds to contribute to this initiative.
Any member of staff (from any grade or work area) can apply: the only condition is that you must have been employed by the University for a minimum of two years.
We are particularly keen to recruit members of staff from the Directorate of Estates and Facilities (including hospitality areas): if you work in these areas, we would encourage you to apply.
What does a mentor do?
A mentor is required to give around two hours a week to helping a Year 10 student prepare for the world of work.
As part of the process, mentors will be asked to form teams and actively contribute through the preparation and delivery of sessions on topics such as:
- Developing a CV
- Interview skills
- Preparing for the first day of work
These sessions will consist of presentations lasting approximately 20 minutes per team, followed by one-to-one mentoring time - with plenty of support on hand for mentors.
Each mentoring session will take place during working hours on campus and all necessary training will be provided.
Further information
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a mentor for this scheme, please contact: