With your support we can expand it for even greater impact.
In the summer of 2022 WiN Central England, Western and Midlands kicked off a mentor training programme to increase the number of women mentors. At that moment we couldn’t have predicted the success we have seen for both mentors and mentees who have taken part and the impact it has had on all of them. But don’t take our word for it, hear for yourself what they have to say! The confidence gained, achievements made possible, and friendships forged, this video encapsulates it all: https://youtu.be/sc-DYPAbttU?feature=shared
It is almost two years ago, in December 2022, ten fabulous women, keen to become mentors but with some trepidation, were introduced to the programme and the bite-size online mentor training by STEMAZING. The vast majority of them had never mentored before and some were even unsure they had what it took to be a successful mentor.
On International Mentoring Day, 17 January 2023, the mentors and mentees met for the first time at a full day face-to-face facilitated workshop hosted by UKAEA, Culham to explore their strengths, what motivates them and set some initial goals. Since then, mentors have helped their mentees to advance their careers. During this time the mentors have also attended monthly mentoring circles to receive support from trainer, Alexandra Knight, an experienced mentor, and founder of Stemazing, an award-winning, non-profit organisation that promotes and supports women in STEM and inspires the next generation of STEM innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
After a year of personal growth and reflection for all the participants of the WiN Mentor Training Pilot, we met up for a final time at a full-day in-person event hosted by Cavendish Nuclear. There we took stock of and celebrated everything the participants had accomplished, from increased confidence to shine as industry role models to getting that promotion or new job. It was an absolute joy to hear about the astounding progress from the mentees, which included things like:
Promotions at work,
better work-life balance,
more confidence to speak up at work,
better relationships at work,
clarity on professional direction,
passing courses, and
getting new qualifications!!
What a year of progress and success stories and most importantly, empowerment and self-belief for all these incredible women!
So, it is no wonder everybody involved agreed that the WiN Mentor Training Pilot had been an immense success. Especially because:
Everybody completed the programme!
Superb bitesize training by STEMAZING for mentors.
Continuous support for mentors throughout the programme from the experienced mentor and coach Alexandra Knight.
Good match of mentors and mentees.
Confidence boosts all around – the mentors now feel that they can have impact as mentors.
Mentors wanting to continue mentoring
Still not convinced about the benefits of mentoring? Watch this webinar on why mentoring matters with Alexandra Knight: https://youtu.be/FmlsnM_zNSA?si=fdae8fyruZaVbIcu
In addition, she did an interview she did with a few of the mentors (Karen Sagar, Stacey Carden) and mentees (Nicole Soor, Kat Swan) to learn how the WiN Mentor Training Pilot benefitted them: https://youtu.be/JB-7pT4S4cU
So, make 2024 the best year possible for yourself and others – get a mentor and be a mentor!! Sign up for interest in taking part of this programme going forward and we will get in touch with you towards the autumn of 2024: https://forms.gle/B2bvUQt6RK7AkyHA6
By becoming a sponsor, your organisation can enable and empower more wonderful women mentors. Your sponsorship will allow WiN U.K. to continue and expand this successful programme to up to 50 mentors. Please get in touch with WiN UK Network Executive, Elina Militello Asp (Elina.militello.asp@ukaea.uk) if your organisation is interested. Sponsorship starts at £500 to secure a place for a woman in your organisation on the Programme. More information about the WiN Mentor Training Programme and sponsorship packages in the attached pdf.
You can find out more information by reviewing the programme booklet here.