Mentoring Apprentices Towards a Brighter Future

Business leaders and foundation supporters were on hand at the Story Bridge Hotel to hear about the impact that the mentoring programs are having on young people and launch a new program supporting apprenticeships.

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation Apprenticeship Program supports young people undertaking apprenticeships – including School-Based Apprentices and Trainees and those on a pathway towards employment. Participants complete the Foundation’s Onwards & Upwards wellbeing mentoring program and receive tailored support throughout their apprenticeship journey.

This is a new initiative made possible through significant multi-year philanthropic support from the Murphy and Talbot Family Foundations, who are investing in improving pathways for young people pursuing careers in the trades.

Apprenticeship Support Leads work directly with the apprentice, their employer and their Registered Training Organisation (and other supports) to understand their individual circumstances, identify any challenges, and provide ongoing mentoring and practical support to help them stay engaged and complete their trade.

The Townsville program, funded through the Talbot Family Foundation, is already underway with six participants (three male and three female apprentices). The Brisbane program is currently being established, and the Foundation is seeking apprentices who may benefit from additional support.

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation CEO John Godwin said the new program is about supporting apprentices to stay engaged, keep on track, and remain in their trade by being provided with the right support at the right time.  It also works with the supervisors who, for many, have had no training or education in leading and supporting apprentices and trainees.

“The facts are that one in two apprentices don’t complete their training,” Godwin said.

“Many leave due to challenges they face outside of the workplace, not from a lack of potential. By providing mentoring and practical support, we can help them and their employers navigate difficulties they may face.

“Common difficulties include financial pressures, challenges in transport, adjusting to workplace expectations, their supervisors’ need for support and other personal or wellbeing challenges.

“Our Onwards & Upwards wellbeing mentoring program is unique in being able to mentor not only school-age students, but those leaving school as they take on apprenticeship programs, which can come with their own challenges.”

At the launch function, Ken Melia spoke powerfully about the transformative impact that one-on-one mentoring through the foundation had on his son Oscar. Ken is active himself as a mentor for the Foundation and is seeing firsthand the difference it is making in the lives of young people.

Foundation corporate ambassador and volunteer mentor Dr Glen Richards spoke about his career progression, coming from a rural background in western Queensland and as a veterinary surgeon in Townsville, to building a multi-million dollar veterinary pet care empire in Australia and New Zealand.

Glen understood the need for mentoring and support over his career, including recognising early the need to provide greater support for vets, who suffer a much higher than average mental and emotional toll compared to most professions.

Two of his early accomplishments were instituting a mentor-based program for graduate vets, with access to psychological support, and establishing a school-based veterinary nurse apprenticeship program, where they ended up with 150 school-based apprentices becoming nurses and practice managers across the organisation.

Glen Richards said, “John Godwin and his team are busy building the foundations now to help young people into the future.

“We’re seeing these mentoring programs have so much impact. The fact that mentors are there one-on-one, with no agenda other than to listen and help the young person shape their future and identify where they want to go and what they want to do in their lives, is incredibly powerful.

“Inspiring Brighter Futures is shaping culture and building the systems that are delivering real impact, transforming the lives of young people.”

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation is seeking referral partners including employees, schools, Registered Training Organisations, Group Training Organisations, industry, and community organisations, as the Apprenticeship Program commences.

To learn more or donate, visit: inspiringbrighterfutures.com
ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828 440 [email protected]