Our mentoring programme
Our mentoring programme is focused on developing your practical skills and building your confidence as an activist or workplace representative.
Mentoring is about providing “on the ground” support which complements the core training programmes offered by Skills Academy. We believe that when a workplace representative has completed the Level 1 Workplace Representative Training, that is best time to take part in a mentoring programme and learn from the expertise of colleagues.
Mentors are experienced workplace representatives/branch officers with expertise and knowledge in clearly defined areas, and have the skills to provide guidance and support to the mentee.
The purpose of our programme is to establish a culture of mentoring, information exchange and support throughout the branch network. All those who are interested in becoming either a mentor or mentee will undertake a short training workshop (a half day) before the mentoring starts. It is essential that mentors identify a local mentee, or vice versa (mentee identifies a branch mentor with whom they can work closely).
The training for mentoring is structured to provide some guidance and co-ordination from Skills Academy, whilst ensuring there is a degree of freedom for each mentoring pair to set their own arrangements as appropriate.
Those who have an interest in becoming a mentor/mentee should contact Skills Academy directly to make arrangements to attend workshops which will be scheduled based on demand from branches and workplace representatives.
Why participate?
There are many advantages for mentors and mentees in participating.
For mentors: Engaging in our programme provides opportunities to pass on valuable knowledge and expertise, build leadership skills, improve communications skills, learn from the different perspectives of our newest reps, and gain a sense of achievement as mentees progress. It is also an essential planning tool for branch executive committees as it contributes positively to branch succession plans.
For mentees: Engaging in our programme provides access to a source of new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, offers a “sounding board” for feedback on your own ideas, creates a new network of expertise, and identifies how to further develop your own knowledge, skills, and experience.
To apply, contact us directly.
To apply, please email skillsacademy@forsa.ie