We are excited to announce that we will soon be launching an industry-leading mentoring program! This is a 3-month program (with possible extension) designed to provide a unique opportunity for professional development, knowledge sharing and networking between our YCG eligible members and some of the more experienced members of our community.
If you’re under 35 and have less than 10 years of work experience in the Corrosion industry and you’re looking to stretch and challenge yourself with the help of a mentor – this program is for you. Mentors, we’re also looking for you. We’re looking for mentors who have at least 10 years of experience in the Corrosion industry looking to give back, to learn more about yourself, to improve your leadership/coaching skills and are willing to commit to the expectations of this program.
We’ve partnered with Industry-Leading Mentoring Experts Brancher to design a program that will help mentees to work towards their career goals, build their confidence, gain exposure and networking with support and guidance from their mentor. In Brancher’s experience, the biggest reason that mentors love their programs is because of the great sense of reward and satisfaction they get from ‘paying it forward’. They also often report higher job satisfaction, improved coaching skills and increased performance.
If you’d like to know more about the program, there’s lots more information about the program in the FAQs below.
Applications Open on 8th November 2022
How to apply:
- Check if you are eligible to apply (see below for eligibility)
- Please read the Mentoring Guide to find out more about what to expect and ensure you are ready to commit before applying.
- Fill out an application form between the 8th of November 2022 and the 25th of November 2022 to enter the matching process.
- Hard close for applications is COB, 2nd December 2022
- Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application via email and the program will kick off in September.
FAQS
What is the purpose of this program?
With this program, we are aiming to expand our member benefit offering, particularly for our YCG members, by providing access to a significant professional development opportunity that aligns with our key objectives and the priorities of our members. Mentoring programs provide a unique method for engagement and foster career development, knowledge sharing and deep interpersonal links that will help to strengthen our industry and our association.
Formalised mentoring programs have been shown to improve minority representation, as well as the participants’ prospects for pay increases and promotion, with mentees found to be over 5 times more likely for promotion and mentors 6 times more likely. According to the ACA’s membership renewal survey, over 40% of respondents indicate that “Professional Development” or “Networking” are the member benefit most important to them, with a further 20% reporting that it is “Supporting the industry”. Despite the benefits of Mentoring, a recent poll of attendees at an ACA YCG event found that of 38 respondents, only 4 had ever participated in a mentoring program. This program will aim to deliver all of these benefits to our members.
Who is Brancher?
We are excited to announce that this year we are partnering with Brancher, a science-based mentoring platform that connects compatible mentees and mentors and provides them with support throughout their mentoring journey.
Who will I be matched with?
Brancher’s science-based matching algorithm means you can expect to be matched with someone who will stretch and challenge you – and help you realise your potential.
Brancher’s matching algorithm takes into account your career stage, goals, skills, industry/area of work and importantly – your personal preferences and attributes through a confidential personality and values assessment.
What does the program involve?
The mentoring program is a structured 3 month program with the possibility of extension designed for anyone who is an ACA member. The program involves meeting a minimum of once per month with your mentee/mentor and completing 5 online training modules (each less than 20 minutes) over the course of the program.
What is the time commitment?
We estimate a time commitment of 2 hours per month. This includes an hour of meeting with your mentoring partner (this can be done virtually) and an additional hour of ‘self-work’ including preparing for the meeting and conducting follow-up actions.
Is there a cost?
The mentoring program will cost $140 for Mentees, but you must be a current ACA Member to be eligible. If you can find more information about becoming an ACA Member and sign up here.
Will everyone be accepted into the program?
We encourage everyone to apply however we do have a limited number of spaces available. Depending on the number of applications we receive, there may be some people who we cannot fit into this year’s program.
How will you judge applications?
Provided you are eligible, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to your application, we simply want to try and find you the best mentoring partner who will be a good fit for you.
Why was I not accepted into the program?
For both mentees and mentors, if you have not been accepted into the program that means that unfortunately this year, we did not find anyone who would be a great fit for you and what you’re wanting to get out of the program.
Why should I sign up, as a mentee?
Research shows that mentees often experience increased job satisfaction, improved confidence, reduced strain (a significant predictor of burnout) and improved career outcomes including promotions and higher pay.
If you are looking to stretch and challenge yourself with the help of a mentor and you can commit to the expectations of this program – sign up today.
What is the eligibility for a mentee?
Anyone who is an Australiasian Corrosion Association member under 35 or new to the industry.
Why should I sign up, as a mentor?
Research shows mentors often report greater job satisfaction, improved coaching skills, increased job performance and a great sense of reward and satisfaction for “paying it forward”.
If you are looking to give back, learn more about yourself, and improve your leadership and coaching skills and you can commit to the expectations of this program – sign up today.
What is the eligibility for a mentor?
We encourage all professionals working in the industry for at least 10 years to apply as mentors.
If you are having self-doubt about whether you have something to offer, trust us – you do! So please apply!
When will I find out if my application has been successful?
We will notify all applicants (whether you are successful or unsuccessful) in July and the program will then kick-off.
Can I apply as both a mentee and a mentor?
Yes you can – provided you meet the eligibility criteria as outlined above. Simply fill out the form as both a mentee and mentor.
How can I find out more?
Review Brancher’s Mentoring Guide