Mentoring programs exist within organizations, in professions and industries, and as community initiatives.

Mentoring programs are designed to achieve:

• Strategic objectives for companies or government agencies;
• Career aspirations or professional development of individuals; or
• Support young or disadvantaged people.

   

In every case, the purpose of the mentoring program is to produce positive outcomes for the people involved.

A mentoring program provides support for people engaged in mentoring. A program has documented objectives and guidelines and plans for:

• Budget and resources for the program
• Communication or marketing
• Recruiting participants
• Matching pairs
• Education, training and information
• Activities and events
• Trouble shooting and exit strategies
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Continuity of the program

Usually, a program co-ordinator or project team will have responsibility for implementing the program. This person or group will:

• Manage the logistics, administration and resources of the program
• Serve as a central point of contact and communication
• Select and match participants
• Organise education, events and participant materials
• Monitor and support participants
• Evaluate and report results

Ann Rolfe

This article is an exerpt from the eBook Mentoring Demystified, by Ann Rolfe.  Ann is Australia's most published author on mentoring and has over twenty-five years experience in learning and development. For the last fifteen years, Ann has specialised in helping organisations and individuals enjoy the benefits of mentoring. Widely respected as a consultant and presenter, her training programs and resources are used internationally to develop and support mentoring.

Ann Rolfe is the founder of Mentoring Works where they help you create mentoring conversations, relationships and programs that work. They offer a comprehensive range of resources that provide clear, practical guidance based on extensive experience and expertise.  For more information and a full copy of her eBook, visit  www.mentoring-works.com.