We discuss mentorship training and the list of benefits it can offer employers and career changers alike.
A recent PwC study revealed that a significant portion of the UK workforce is on the move. With 23% of workers expected to change jobs in the past year – a 5% increase compared to the previous year – the trend is undeniable. This rise is likely fueled by factors like the increasing cost of living, as nearly half (47%) of UK workers report having no room for savings at the end of the month.
While this influx of fresh perspectives is valuable for businesses, it also presents a challenge for employers: effectively onboarding these new hires. This is where mentorship training comes in. This powerful tool can significantly benefit both employers and career changers alike.
What Is Mentorship Training?
Mentorship, by definition, is a supportive relationship where a seasoned employee (mentor) guides a less experienced one (mentee).
In the context of career changers, mentorship training equips both parties with the skills and knowledge to build a successful partnership, one that is specifically geared towards a successful career transition.
This training sets mentors up with the know-how to give great guidance. At the same time, mentees are given the opportunity to learn by doing, ask insightful questions and take charge of their career growth.
Why Invest in Mentorship Training?
“The top five most sought-after skills are all human skills”.
This is according to a recent Pearson report that analysed labour market trends in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. The human skills, also known as transferable skills, mentioned were:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
As important as these competencies are, it’s important to note that mentorship training focuses on developing technical skills.
Mentorship training bridges the gap between soft and hard skills, offering a multitude of benefits for both employers and career changers:
Benefits Of Mentorship Training For Employers
Here are some of the main benefits that mentorship training has for employers:
1. Reduced onboarding costs
Mentorship programmes can significantly reduce onboarding costs. Mentors can help new hires from different backgrounds adapt to your company culture and integrate faster, saving time and resources.
2. Improved retention rates
Mentorship creates a sense of belonging and support, leading to happier, more engaged employees who are less likely to leave. A report by Ranstad suggests that employees who participate in mentorship programs are 49% less likely to leave. This translates to significant cost savings for businesses in the region of £2,500 per participant per year.
3. Enhanced skill development
Mentors can identify skill gaps in career changers and guide them in acquiring relevant skills specific to your company’s needs. This targeted approach to development leads to a more competent workforce and reduces the need for expensive external training programmes.
4. Increased innovation + diversity = greater profits
Mentorship facilitates knowledge transfer from experienced employees and allows fresh perspectives from career changers to flourish. A study by Harver found that diverse companies are 36% more likely to outperform their less diverse competitors.
Benefits Of Mentorship Training For Career Changers
Of, course mentorship training offers a range of benefits for career changers, too.
1. Smoother transition
Mentors provide guidance and support during the initial learning curve, making the transition into a new role and company much easier. What tends to be a stressful time for career changers can become an enjoyable learning experience that leads to better job satisfaction.
2. Faster skill acquisition
Mentors offer targeted advice and resources to help career changers acquire the skills they need to excel in their new position. As a result, career changers can see faster promotion opportunities and increased earning potential.
3. Expanded network
Mentorship creates opportunities for career changers to build valuable connections within the company. It helps create a sense of belonging and opens doors to future opportunities. For career changers, career advancement and professional development is typically a high priority.
4. Improved confidence
Mentors provide encouragement and help build self-assurance, allowing career changers to approach their new role with confidence. The result is improved performance and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Implementing a Successful Mentorship Programme
Now that the benefits are clear, let’s discuss how you can go about implementing a successful mentorship programme.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Define programme goals: What do you hope to achieve through mentorship? Is it to improve onboarding, accelerate skill development, or become a more innovative company? Clearly defined goals will help you tailor your programme to achieve the desired outcomes.
- Match criteria: Ensuring compatibility between mentors and mentees is crucial for a successful partnership. Matching should consider factors like experience, skill sets, personality types, and career aspirations.
- Mentor training: Equipping mentors with the tools to provide effective guidance and feedback is essential. Training should cover topics like communication skills, goal setting, active listening, and providing constructive criticism.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Beyond the initial training, ongoing support is crucial for a successful mentorship programme. Here are some additional tips for ensuring long-term success:
- Set clear expectations: Outline the roles and responsibilities of both mentors and mentees at the beginning of the programme. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
- Provide ongoing communication: Regular communication is essential for maintaining a strong mentor-mentee relationship. Encourage open communication and provide platforms for mentors and mentees to connect and share feedback.
- Celebrate successes: Recognise and celebrate the achievements of both mentors and mentees to boost morale and keep participants engaged in the programme.
- Gather feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from both mentors and mentees to identify areas for improvement. This feedback can be used to refine the programme and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of all participants.
Finding the Right Talent Pool
At Refreshing a Career, we understand the challenges associated with finding qualified career changers. Our platform connects you with a diverse pool of talented individuals who are eager to leverage their experience in new and exciting roles.
Our range of services for employers gives you access to a multitude of benefits, including:
- A diverse pool of career changers – We connect you 10,000+ with highly motivated individuals who are passionate about making a career transition.
- Advice and support – Our website is packed with guides for employers, including advice on attracting career changers, building a diverse work environment, and more. Find the latest industry insights on our blog.
- Attract career change talent – Get in touch to advertise your roles on our dedicated career change job board.
- Find diverse talent – Our job advert inclusivity screening tests your ad against our “Inclusive Language Checklist” to remove potentially discriminatory language.
- Advertise your business – Our talented team of writers works with you to create a company profile that documents your efforts as a top employer of professionals who want to make a career change.
For more information, email us at info@refreshingacareer.com or give us a call at 0345 872 4501. We’d be more than happy to offer guidance on advertising career change jobs with us.
