Career Mentoring

CONNECT mentoring has been delivered successfully for 5 years in West London.

It is a mentoring programme for young people on Pupil Premium, and those identified as at risk of becoming ‘Not in Employment Education or Training’.

Mentees are matched with trained employee volunteers from our employer partners, and includes; developing employability skills, building confidence, CV writing and interview skills, setting career goals, and building vital social capital.

We work with a range of employer partners to co-deliver the programme, including GSK, Dell, Jacobs Engineering, Southwestern Rail, and Notting Hill Genesis, with investment from the National Lottery Community Fund, Drapers Charitable Trust, Inspire Hounslow, and the Greater London Authority.

CONNECT provides the opportunity for young people:

  • To meet and be inspired by mentors in leadership positions
  • To explore their ambitions and goals for the future
  • To develop their essential employability skills
  • To be exposed to places of work
  • To build their Labour Market knowledge
  • To grow their social capital and career connections

CONNECT provides businesses with the opportunity:

  • To build and diversify their future workforce from within the local community
  • For employees to volunteer their time in an impactful and rewarding way
  • To build sustainable links with local schools, colleges and the community

“I had struggled with finding my voice when it came to my career as I lacked confidence. It was through the mentoring sessions I gained the knowledge I needed, and this boosted my confidence massively.”            CONNECT student

Interested in becoming a mentor?

The CONNECT programme is currently run in collaboration with businesses, if you would like to get involved in the CONNECT programme, please ask the person in your company who is responsible for volunteering or community engagement to get in touch.

To find out more contact rachelmcadam@sparkcharity.org.uk.