David Patrick
While some of his colleagues were engaged with mentoring through the MCR Pathways programme, David was drawn to Career Ready for its longer-term focus and the opportunity to directly apply his professional expertise and experience to guide a young person entering the workforce.
Why Career Ready?
"Career Ready appealed to me as it is about nurturing and guiding young people who have no professional contacts in their life into a professional career pathway," David explains. "These young people are looking for support and guidance to understand career options and navigate the college / university application process." For David, the chance to provide mentorship over an extended period offered a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships and provide sustained guidance to support young people facing social and financial deprivation within the city.
Supporting his First Young Person
The first young person David mentored is an example of the outstanding benefits of the programme. Having recently moved to the UK, she faced significant challenges including unfamiliarity with the education system and the pressure of preparing for exams. Together with David's support, she reviewed university prospectuses, identified relevant courses, and worked through the application process. Despite the pandemic curtailing the work placement element of the programme, her determination and the mentorship she received enabled her to successfully go on to complete a degree in psychology.
Mentoring During and After the Pandemic
Post-pandemic, David took on three young people simultaneously, one from another office in the city and one whose mentor had transitioned to a new role. "It was a great experience as they all bounced off each other well, and it was like having a ready-made focus group in the office," David recalls. "These young people contributed valuable insights, such as reviewing our website and service leaflets, offering feedback, and making recommendations. Their fresh perspectives proved invaluable. Additionally, one particularly talented young person designed a logo for a programme that we continue to use today."
The Work Placement
A key element of the Career Ready programme is the four-week work placement. This experience provides young people with a firsthand understanding of workplace dynamics, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects. "You can see their confidence and self-esteem grow by the end of the placement," David observes. "They bring a dynamic energy to the office, and if you put thought into creating a meaningful programme, it can be incredibly beneficial for your service too. Balancing clerical tasks with more engaging responsibilities is key. Young people are paid for their time, which fosters a sense of pride and motivation. For services, these placements offer fresh perspectives and creative input. Our whole team supported the young people in the office and whilst I acted as their mentor, other colleagues took the supervisory role on the work placement. This worked well for us as the supervisors provided the young people with structure and accountability, but I was still there to support them in the office in my capacity as a mentor."
An opportunity for Businesses and Young People
David's experiences showcase the mutual advantages of Career Ready. For young people, the programme provides mentorship, skill development, and a pathway to higher education or professional careers. For businesses, it offers the opportunity to engage with enthusiastic, motivated individuals who bring fresh perspectives and energy to the workplace. "It's a brilliant opportunity," David reflects. "Seeing the young people grow in confidence and knowing you've made a difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding. The Career Ready programme demonstrates how meaningful mentorship can support and empower young people and foster innovation and inclusivity in the workplace."
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