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