OCPE - Mentoring & Building Workforce Capability

Mentoring takes place in many contexts and is conducted in a variety of ways. Its institutionalisation has occurred with the proliferation of mentoring programs sponsored in the workplace over the last few decades -- for example, in the Australian Public Service and university sector. As a result, its intent can often  be seen as similar to that of coaching: improving workplace performance, and therefore, productivity. But there is more to it than the benefits that flow on in the workplace or in career development. To generalise, performance enhancement is typically what a coach focuses upon; while traditionally, a mentor is someone who provides trusted, expert guidance within a specific field of activity. The Office of the Commissioner of Public Employment (OCPE) in the NT provides its take on the differences - giving emphasis to who leads the process: typically the mentee & the coach. Overall, the OCPE is focused on the role of mentoring in building workforce capability.

Mentorship Circles

Mentorship Circles is a project by Southern Cross University in partnership with MATSITI (More aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander teachers Initiative). It aims to:

• survey Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers employed in early childhood services
• identify a representative sample to participate in a model for professional development called, ‘Mentorship Circles’
• undertake quantitative research (ie. national survey) and qualitative research (from the Mentorship Circles)  to contribute to the existing, but limited research regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood teachers.
• collate this research as advice for government; employers; providers of professional development; and
• provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood teachers with relevant resources and activities regarding career satisfaction, sustainability and progression.

Mentoring Australia

Mentoring Australia is the official website of the National Mentoring association of Australia.

"Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship which involves a more experienced person helping a less experienced person to achieve their goals."

Effective Mentoring:

• Is a relationship that focuses on the needs of the mentee
• Fosters caring and supportive relationships
• Encourages all mentees to develop to their fullest potential
• Is a strategy to develop active community partnerships

GEMS Launch

Following the announcement in May the NT Government launched the new “GEMS” academy at Sanderson Middle School on June 22, 2012. The GEMS (Girls Engagement Mentoring and Support) program is now underway at Sanderson, Casuarina Senior College, Dripstone and Nightcliff Middle Schools, & it is planned that to extend it right across the Territory. GEMS builds on the earlier & successful Clontarf Academy. In 2011 a record number of Clontarf Academy students graduated.
More info: Media release

TEDx Canberra - Mentoring Indigenous Youth

In this talk at TEDxCanberra 2011, Sam Perry reflects on his work with AIME (the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) and how he, a privileged white person, completely changed his life to become a part of the work he now does. While acknowledging the importance of Elders (past, present, & future) his work has emphasis on engaging youth - indigenous & non-indigenous together - with catalysts: Respect, Humility, & Curiosity

AIME

AIME provides a dynamic educational Program that gives Indigenous high school students the skills, opportunities, belief and confidence to finish school at the same rate as their peers. AIME has proven to dramatically improve the chances of Indigenous kids finishing school. AIME also connects students with post Year 12 opportunities, including further education and employment. While the program is currently Sydney-based it provides an example of an effective mentoring model for indigenous students.

Australia Post Kids Teaching Kids Week

http://www.kidsteachingkids.com.au/conferences/2012-kids-teaching-kids-week/
Australia-wide
27-31 August 2012