'My mentoring experience went far beyond volunteering'

In 2020, our Employment team created a fast-track six-month mentoring scheme matching job-seeking clients with mentors from amongst the Centre’s corporate partners.

The scheme was so successful that we’re celebrating its second anniversary. 12 clients have been through the programme and three companies now offer the mentorship roles to their employees.

Each mentor-mentee relationship is unique and, as you'll read, brings opportunities and personal development for both people.

A mum of two who had completed Higher Education but had never managed to secure a professional role. She is now on a permanent well-paid contract after years working on a zero-hours contract at minimum wage:

I will never be able to put into words how much help and support I received from my mentor. He gave me so much time and opened doors I know I wouldn’t have gone through without him. The feedback I received has helped me to identify the skills I still need and the training I should undertake to progress in the future. In the meantime, I am working for an international company and believe in myself in a way that I never did before. I love wearing a suit and being part of the 9-5 office world. Thank you so much!

 

A mentor from BNP Paribas:

My experience as a mentor, went far beyond a ‘volunteering duty’ to become a friendship. I got to know so much about a new culture and the challenges facing those who are forced to flee to the UK. I feel I have gained far more than I gave and highly recommend mentoring at the Cardinal Hume Centre for many reasons – the fun you can have, the insights you gain, the true sense of contributing to and benefiting from a community of individuals who help to bring out the best and truest potential in each other.

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A 19-year old mentee:

My mentor made me a better employee and professional. I am now working as a fibre-optics installer for a cable company and his words about how to communicate properly and be professional at work are helping me stay in work and progress.

 

A mentor from LandSecurities:

I was matched with a lady who had been out of work for some time and needed support in getting back into the workforce. Working with and getting to know her each week gave me real perspective on some of the challenges faced by members of communities outside of my own and it was great to connect with someone who I may not have otherwise crossed paths with in everyday life. We went through everything from CV prep to practice interviews, and while there were some disappointing days to get through together, there was nothing like the feeling when she finally got that call saying she’d aced the interview and there was a role ready and waiting for her! I felt so proud of the work she’d done and how excited she was to be back doing what she loved – and it was a great feeling to know I’d helped her get there. Although my time with that particular mentee has come to an end, I look forward to my next match with the Cardinal Hume Centre, to help support the fantastic work they do.