On Sunday, 16 February 2014, 30 students from AIEF Partner Schools were introduced to their new mentors at the NSW Mentor Induction Day, held at Knox Grammar School. The day marks the beginning of the program for these new participants and it is designed to give students and mentors an opportunity to get to know each other in a fun and informal setting.
Students from St Gregorys College Campbelltown, St Catherines School, Waverley, St Vincents College, Potts Point, Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart, Knox Grammar School, Pymble Ladies College and Loreto Normanhurst and their mentors from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, KPMG, Leighton Contractors, HSBC Bank Australia, and for the first time Qantas, were welcomed to the program on the day and began their mentoring journeys together.
The day aims to provide a solid foundation for the mentoring partnership and encourages pairs to focus on learning about one another and begin establishing rapport and trust. After separate mentor and student-focused sessions mentors and students came together in their pairs and participated in structured get-to-know-you activities, group and one-on-one discussions. Students were enthusiastic to meet their mentors, and the event was a great start to the program for all involved.
The AIEF Mentor Program aims to create a structured and trusting one-on-one relationship between a student and an experienced, professional individual who shares knowledge and offers guidance and support about life and career options. Students and mentors meet once a month in face-to-face sessions as well as at group activities with a more social focus.
