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University pioneers industry mentoring for students

Posted on 16 February 1999

The University of York's strategy to improve graduate skills and employability took another step forward when its first mentor induction session took place. Representatives from a wide range of Yorkshire's diverse business community, and individuals involved in community and voluntary activities, met to hear Bob Garvey of Durham University Business School explain how mentoring could help students equip themselves with skills for modern employment and society.

Mentors will encourage York's students to build on their potential, offering them a new perspective on the world of employment, supporting their commitment to learning, stimulating their thinking and challenging them to acquire new perspectives. Mentoring is already recognised as a valuable tool in industry and education and in supporting the unemployed and disaffected, but the University of York believes it is the first to attempt to link mentors in industry and the local community with students in higher education.

It is not only the students who will gain from these relationships though, as Pete McKenzie-Midlane, Managing Director of McKenzie-Midlane Ltd explains:

"I am delighted to support the University of York's mentoring. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is very much a two-way affair and I will gain a great deal in the way of training and mentoring skills."

"We are very pleased that such a diverse range of organisations and individuals have expressed a desire to become involved in the mentoring project", said York Award Co-ordinator, Robert Partridge. "I know our students are very excited by the opportunities this programme presents and I am confident that these links will assist them greatly in their preparation for the world of work."