Mentoring in the public service and why it's important for our future workforce

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a process in which an experienced individual helps another person develop their goals and skills through a series of time-limited, one-on-one conversations and other learning activities.

Why is mentoring important to our future workforce?

Mentoring in the public service can serve as a way to recruit and retain skilled youth into our future workforce. By creating and supporting experiential learning opportunities we can provide students the tools they need to succeed. We must look toward the future and see value in investing in students and their experiential learning opportunities today.

The rewards are worth the investment. Contrary to popular belief, mentoring does not require a disproportionate investment. Research shows that people who become mentors report significant benefits and few costs. Most importantly, mentors have the opportunity to have a positive impact on a student's life. Try to remember when you were a student and imagine how having a mentor could have helped guide you during your transition from academics to the workforce.

Do you remember a teacher, a coach or a former employer who said or did something that changed the trajectory of your life? This is your chance to do that for someone else. Not every mentoring relationship is life-changing, but do not underestimate your potential as a mentor to support a young person to see their potential, build their social network and to incite a significant and positive change in the public service.

If the opportunity to mentor a student is presented to you, please remember as a mentor, you will have the opportunity to share your wisdom and experiences, evolve your own thinking, develop a new relationship, and deepen your own skills.

Mentorship matters and as quoted by Mahatma Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

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