e-mentoring
Published
September 2008
Website
www.suffolk-mentoring.org
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e-mentoring case study
Introduction
E-mentoring has been trialled as a form of work-related learning (WRL) for young people in Suffolk, by the county’s Education Business Partnership.
The rural nature of the county and the limited opportunities available to young people locally have been important factors in the development of mentoring as a form of WRL. The EBP and partner organisations in Suffolk and Essex have successfully delivered a face-to-face mentoring scheme Passport 2 Success, linking pupils with employees in specific sectors experiencing skills shortages.
This scheme involves face-to-face mentoring, supported by e-mentoring, combined with a site visit at the end of the mentoring where appropriate. One of the participating employers is British Energy at the Sizewell Nuclear plant.
The power station is close to the small town of Leiston and rural communities extending inland from its coastal site. Work experience opportunities are limited by health and safety considerations, but the company is keen to be involved in WRL locally.
In the light of the achievements of Passport 2 Success, the EBP explored the potential for e-mentoring as a sole form of communication, without face-to-face contact or site visits. E-mentoring was seen to have particular potential for use in more rural areas of the county where it has been difficult to recruit mentors either locally, or to travel distances to rural schools.
The scheme is also aimed at encouraging enterprise among young people in rural areas who have fewer opportunities for employment than their urban counterparts.
To trial e-mentoring, the EBP has used e-Mentor Pro software developed by IBM. The EBP has provided training to coordinators in schools, community organisations and employers to enable them to set up and use the mentoring software. Having completed the pilot, the EBP plans to fully launch the scheme and to develop accreditation.
Modelled on the face-to-face Passport 2 Success scheme, mentoring takes place for up to 12 weeks and includes guidance in such areas as job applications and interview skills, involving raising aspirations and setting goals.
The e-mentoring scheme currently involves 94 mentors and 121 mentees aged 14–16. Commitment to Passport 2 Success is made at company level and mentors are allocated time away from work duties. They are also given full training, a mentoring handbook and ongoing support for their role.