Bondholders needed for new workplace mentor network

Forming Connections is inviting Marketing Derby Bondholders to become the founding members of a new workplace mentor network.

The organisation is trialling the ‘Opening Doors: Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Programme’ – and is inviting eight businesses or organisations to take part in a September focus group designed to develop the next generation of workplace mentors and champions for young people entering employment.

Research highlighted through the work of Alan Milburn and the Social Mobility Commission has repeatedly shown that a young person’s background can still have a significant impact on their access to opportunities, networks and career progression.

The programme has been created for employers who host or employ (or would like to) young people aged 16 to 25, including T Level students, university placement students, apprentices, school leavers and young people taking their first steps into work after a period of being NEET.

Brenda Keirnan, founder and educational director at Forming Connections, said: “This is not simply about compliance or placements. It is about developing better leaders, stronger workplace cultures and fairer opportunities for the next generation.

“The experience a young person has in their first workplace can shape the confidence they carry for years to come.”

Interested businesses should e-mail Brenda@formingconnections.co.uk with a brief expression of interest.