The Concrete Institute of Australia Mentoring Program pairs experienced Members in the concrete industry with Members with less experience, and provides an opportunity for both parties to expand their professional development and industry knowledge.
While the primary goal of the program is to increase the knowledge and development of the Mentee, the Mentoring Relationship is a two way relationship and Mentors also have the opportunity to learn from their Mentees.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to Professionals, Young Professionals, Retired, Life and Honorary Members as well as all listed Representative Members of Company and Academic Members. The Mentoring Program is not open to Student Members.
There are no age restrictions on being a Mentor or a Mentee. Pairings are based on the Mentors ability to assist the Mentee to achieve their goals. It may be the case that the Mentor is younger or of a similar age to the Mentee.
What’s in for the Mentor?
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Exposure to new ideas and concepts
- Widen professional network
- Satisfaction from being able to contribute to the development of emerging industry professionals through the sharing of experience and knowledge
- Earn CPD Points
What’s in it for the Mentee?
- Increase understanding of the concrete construction industry
- Develop communication skills
- Assistance with goal setting and career development
- Widen professional network
- Build professional confidence and self-esteem
- Earn CPD Points
Application, Matching & Evaluation Processes
All prospective Mentors must complete an application on the prescribed form outlining their experience and areas of expertise, including previous mentoring experience. They also need to indicate their availability regarding time and locations.
All prospective Mentees must also complete an application on the prescribed form outlining the areas they wish to expand their knowledge in, and the goals they are looking to achieve. They also need to provide details of their experience and areas of expertise as well as their availability regarding time and locations.
Pairs are matched by the Mentoring Program Sub Committee which endeavours to ensure that Mentees are paired with Mentors who have the knowledge and experience to assist the Mentee to achieve their goals, while taking into account the location and availability of each party.
Each party in the Mentoring Relationship is required to complete an evaluation form after 6 months and again after 12 months.
What is the Time Commitment?
Once paired Mentors and Mentees will need to enter into a Mentoring Agreement which will specify the agreed level of contact, and note that each party will need to commit to a 12 month Mentoring Relationship. The Institute recommends a contact schedule of:
- Induction webinar (compulsory)
- Face to face meetings every 6-8 weeks (approx. 1 hour) at mutually agreed locations
- Phone contact every 2-4 weeks
- Email contact on an ad hoc basis
Mentoring Agreement
As with all relationships, successful Mentoring requires a genuine commitment to the relationship from both parties and must be based on trust, respect and open communication.
Mentors and Mentees are required to discuss and enter into a Mentoring Agreement which specifies the goals, ground rules and expectations of the Mentoring Relationship with the intent of reducing the possibility of misunderstanding.
The Mentoring Agreement will outline the proposed:
- Mentee goals
- Mentor goals
- Ideas on how goals will achieved and success will be measured
- Duration of the relationship (12 months)
- Frequency and methods of contact
- Meeting logistics
- Confidentiality requirements
Either party may dissolve the Mentoring Relationship at any time however the Institute encourages the parties to discuss, and attempt to resolve, any issues that may arise.