Volunteer Overview Briefing EmployabilityUK and Dormston School Employability Skills Programme 2016 - 17 Volunteer Overview Briefing

Role of the mentor To provide students with a link to the world of work To raise awareness in students of the skills required to succeed in the workplace To suggest ways of developing necessary skills To discuss potential career pathways with students To advise students on ways of enhancing their existing skills To encourage students to raise aspirations (if necessary) To assist students in completing the tasks required on the programme

How do I start? You will be paired up with one or more students by the school Consult the programme outline to check what you need to discuss at each session Try to create a positive relationship with your student(s) at the first meeting, by telling them about yourself and inviting them to talk about themself(ves) Ensure that any activities referred to are completed before the end of the session Attempt to build mutual respect and trust with the student(s), by taking an interest in what they do in school and out of it Explain what your role is

Guidelines for Best Practice Always make your student(s) feel valued and respected Be professional with your student(s) and encourage mature discussion Use professionally acceptable language Listen to your student(s) Advise, do not make decisions for them Aim to offer understanding and do not judge your student(s) Acknowledge and respect your student’s feelings and personal privacy Never trivialise matters that appear to worry your student(s) Do not promise anything Treat your student(s) in a way you would like your own child to be treated

What to do if there are issues or concerns If you are unable to make the timetabled session, please contact the tutor at the school to arrange an alternative time. Please notify your EmployabilityUK link as well. If you have any concerns about your student(s), please discuss them with your EUK link and/or the tutor If your student discloses something which causes concern, advise them that you will need to talk to their tutor Do not fall into the role of surrogate parent or tutor Please ensure that you are familiar with the EUK Safeguarding Policy (access via website)

The Programme Expected outputs: Each student to have a professional-level school-leaver CV, and to research, produce and deliver a 2-3 minute presentation 15 x Year 11 students (15-16 years). Mentoring programme: 5 x 1-1 and 5 x 1-pairs All Mentoring sessions will be held with students and Business Mentors together (at school) in a communal area, supervised by Tutor and EUK reps. No out of school relationship building, no exchange of personal contact information. All students and mentors are required to commit to the full requirements of the programme and attend all sessions as per the schedule. For mentors this is 7 sessions. The priorities for this programme are confidence building, raising awareness of the various pathways post school and general discussion on aspirations for future career/job.   Programme Total School. Approx. 15 hours: 16 hours on programme and 4-5 hours private study (Research organisations, PP prep, presentation prep). Mentors. Approx. 16 hours including travel and preparation. You can find more information about your role in the Volunteers Area at www.employabilityuk.org Your contact is : Di Vernon on 07801 412003. Email:diane.vernon@employabilityuk.org