Case Study

Mentoring Image

 Sally Furnish was my mentee when I undertook the Lancaster University Certificate in Mentoring, a programme on which I now work. Sally comes from an administrative background, and due to pressures in the business and a desire to develop her skills, she became a trainer for young apprentices who need to complete Key Skills qualifications as part of their qualification. She undertook some structured training which was supplemented by regular mentoring sessions with me in person and on the telephone. This extra support enabled her to develop and embed her new skills quickly. Time we spent reflecting on what she had done led to new ideas and understanding. She is now a full-time trainer and had an excellent report from a recent ALI (Adult Learning Inspectorate) inspection.
Mentoring

Mentoring can be described as "A temporary relationship that has at its disposal a range of helping skills from which to draw depending on the needs of the mentee at any given time." These helping skills can range from tutoring at one end (showing the mentees what to do) to coaching at the other (allowing the mentees to find their own solution). In between these are taking the role of sounding board away from the constraints of normal working life, and of signpost to resources or other people who can contribute to the mentee's development.

Another definition of mentoring is, 'A deliberate pairing of a more skilled or experienced person with a lesser skilled or experienced one, with the agreed-upon goal of having the lesser skilled person grow and develop specific competencies.'

A mentor will have had experience in the mentee's area of work and can act as a wise friend. This is especially useful for staff and managers who are new in a job role and need that extra support.

IVITA Learning can offer mentoring in management, training, assessment and coaching. IVITA Learning can train mentors, offering ILM full awards and City and Guilds units from the NVQs in Learning and Development

As well as acting as a mentor, I have worked for several years on the Lancaster University Certificate in Mentoring with the NHS Healthcare Financial Managers Association.
Quotes

 "Annie has helped me tremendously. She has been a great support to me and my job role encouraging me to develop my skills by passing on her knowledge and practices. I am more confident in my delivery and realise the importance of planning and lesson plans."

Sally Furnish
Key Skills Trainer
TICA