The Apprentice Mentors provide personalised support for individuals and employers.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a tailored and personal advisory service delivered to mentees from mentors. Mentoring is a key component to increasing retention and completion rates while ensuring apprentices and employers have a supportive and safe work environment. Mentoring is available for both apprentices and employers. 

Apprentice services are divided into two services groups: enhanced services and general services. 

Enhanced services groups are:

  • All woman in male dominated trades (WMDT)
  • First nation Australian apprentices 
  • Australian apprentices with a disability 
  • Australian apprentices located in a remote location

General services for apprentices/trainees are:

  • All apprentices who are not in a key client group  
  • Apprentices in key client groups (except woman in male-dominated trades) whose original commencement date was before the 1 July 2024. 

General services mentoring places are provided on an as-need basis. Access to these places will be prioritised for those with complex issues and are in the most need for mentoring support. 


Employer mentoring 

Employers can access mentoring support services if they:
•    Have limited to no experience in employing apprentices 
•    A history of poor retention of apprentices
•    Fewer than five employees

Other employers can also access mentoring support services if they need help resolving an issue that may prevent an apprentice from completing their apprenticeship. 
 

Types of mentoring and personal support services available for apprentices:

  • Pastoral care including social and emotional support to enhance the apprentice’s wellbeing.
  • Help with any workplace issues the apprentice encounters. 
  • Support with complex needs by offering mediation, counselling or referrals to specialist organisations.
  • Help with reasonable adjustments and accessibility requirements.
  • Role modelling, counselling, coaching and other roles as a trusted adviser.
  • Guidance on career planning and transitional issues like a change of employer. 
  • Access to industry-specific mentoring as delivered by the Provider or such as the New Energy Apprenticeship Mentoring Program.
  • Structured peer and/or industry support networks.
  • Contact with apprentices requiring similar support.
  • Guidance on any issues the apprentice encounters in off-the-job training.

Types of mentoring and personal support services available for employers: 
•    Helping the employer understand their role in supporting an apprentice 
•    Helping employers implement strategies to effectively supervise and manage apprentices 
•    Connecting employers to support services and training needed to better manage apprentices 
•    Providing supervisory training to help employers motivate and retain their apprentices 
•    Providing specific training on cultural safety, mental health and healthy workplace practices

A Tailored Support Plan (TSP) will be developed by the mentor in collaboration with the mentee, outlining the specific actions and support to be provided, along with an agreed contact schedule. This plan can be adjusted and updated as needed throughout the mentoring process to accommodate any changes in needs.

 

WMDT Mentoring 

Our Mentoring and Personal Support Services offer tailored advisory support for women in male-dominated trades, benefiting both apprentices and employers. Mentoring is essential for enhancing retention and completion rates while ensuring a safe work environment.

We provide a range of services, including one-on-one mentoring sessions that foster personal growth and development. Our program also facilitates networking opportunities through events designed to connect apprentices with industry professionals. Additionally, we offer peer support groups that encourage shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

To further empower our participants, we conduct informative workshops focused on skill-building and knowledge enhancement. Our emphasis on confidence building includes strategies and resources aimed at boosting self-esteem and assertiveness. We also provide career development support to help individuals navigate their career paths and secure job placements.

Ultimately, our goal is to empower women in trades by delivering comprehensive support necessary for their success in chosen careers while promoting a safe and supportive work environment for all.

Key Areas of Our Mentoring Support Services:

  • Personalised Guidance: Tailored advice and support based on individual needs and goals.
  • One-on-One Mentoring: Direct mentorship sessions to foster growth and development.
  • Networking Opportunities: Events designed to connect apprentices with industry professionals.
  • Peer Support Groups: Facilitated groups for shared experiences and encouragement.
  • Informative Workshops: Sessions focused on skill-building and knowledge enhancement.
  • Confidence Building: Strategies and resources to boost self-esteem and assertiveness.
  • Career Development: Support for navigating career paths and job placement.
  • Safe Work Environment: Promoting practices that ensure a supportive and safe workplace for all.

Throughout this journey, we’ve fostered strong relationships, and now fully qualified apprentices are stepping up to provide invaluable peer support to those currently navigating their paths. This collaborative spirit continues to empower and inspire more women to thrive in trades.

We welcome collaboration with organisations, businesses, and individuals who are passionate about supporting women in trades. 

If you require more information, please contact The Apprenticeship People on (08) 8935 8200 or email apprenticeshipsnt@gtntgroup.com.au