An important part of mentoring is to help young people feel empowered. Through this they can find solutions to help them shape their future and manage their minds themselves, knowing how to access support when it is needed.
When students feel overwhelmed or just lacking in direction, I bring an objective viewpoint along with my coaching skills and experience. I help them find their inspiration, and work out their next steps.
This process starts with an initial chat with the young person, letting them lead the conversation using guided questions, which will focus on what they like and what inspires them.
This will help me to form a range of suggestions around next steps, to be discussed at the second meeting. These are often focused on further education, but may be a particular job or ambition, or ideas for a gap year.
The key is that we build a plan together.
I have helped numerous students decide what they would like to do following school, supporting them with confidence building, subject tuition, applications for university, apprenticeships or jobs, interview practice, and helping them write an effective personal statement or C.V.