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Mentorship in Work-based Learning & Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship mentoring is a structured process. 80% of the apprentice’s training – and most of their learning – will be accomplished on the job. The mentor needs to be well acquainted with the apprentice’s training goals and requirements as laid out in the apprenticeship standards so the mentor can guide the apprentice through the progression of skills necessary for successful completion of the program. A good mentor will know what theory the apprentice is learning in the classroom and help the apprentice apply it in practice on the job.

Download a PDF version of the Mentor Resource Guide

Use the Mentor Resource Guide for work-based learning on-the-job training.

Watch Mentorship in Work-based Learning on YouTube

View this this short video to explore the basics and benefits of mentoring workers.

Apprenticeship Building America Logo

“Mentoring in registered apprenticeship is a structured pairing between a skilled worker and an apprentice trainee. The skilled worker models behaviors and skills necessary to succeed in a particular occupation. The mentee/apprentice emulates the mentor, learning the mentor's skills and adopting/adapting the mentor's behaviors.”

Mentee Reflections:

Someone who has quite a bit of experience and who is willing—this is most important—to share their experience …

Someone who can help us, in whom we can ask a question and trust on a specific topic."

“I don’t look at myself as the expert, I do know what I'm trying to teach to help people grow, but not showing up as a know-it-all.” 

“Being able to guide someone along in a process, showing them the ropes essentially so that the…mentee [is] able to do things on their own, to be able to accomplish a goal.”

Graphic depicting 4 key aspects of Mentoring

This description goes along with the preceding graphic. The graphic depicts; Security: Mentees feel safe to bring their best self to the jobs., Innovation: Mentees feel empowered to consider improvements in processes, products, or services., Creativity: Mentees feel empowered to put action into transforming new, innovative ideas into reality., Job Satisfaction: The byproduct of creating an environment where mentees can share their ideas, beliefs, and skills.

Mentor Roles

Guide

As a guide, the mentor helps the trainee to navigate through the job and the inner workings
of the organization. “Behind the scenes” or workplace politics are not always obvious to an
outsider. The mentor should explain “unwritten rules” so that the trainee can become aware
of the workplace environment. This includes knowledge of special procedures that are not
always documented. It could also include policies under consideration.

Counselor

The role of counselor requires the mentor to have a trusting and open relationship with
the trainee. The mentor needs to stress confidentiality and show respect for the trainee.
Mentors can promote confidentiality by not disclosing personal information shared by the
trainee. While the mentor explains the job, listening is also very important. It is another
way to show respect.

Advisor

The role of counselor requires the mentor to have a trusting and open relationship with
the trainee. The mentor needs to stress confidentiality and show respect for the trainee.
Mentors can promote confidentiality by not disclosing personal information shared by the
trainee. While the mentor explains the job, listening is also very important. It is another
way to show respect.

Motivator

Motivating the trainee is a difficult yet essential mentor role. Motivation can be learned but is
typically a natural inner drive which compels a person to be positive and succeed.

Connector

In the role of connector, the mentor helps the trainee establish a network of contacts within
the workplace. This gives trainees a chance to meet other people for professional as well
as social development. As a connector, mentors introduce trainees to their own contacts to
help build the trainees’ own network structure.

Role Model

As a role model, the mentor sets an example of the values, ethics, and professional
practices of the workplace. Most trainees, in time, imitate their mentors. Therefore, a
mentor must have high standards of professionalism, solid work ethics, and a positive
attitude. A mentor must exhibit the positive qualities of an experienced professional.

A Guide for Mentors

Aggregating the best mentor resources developed by national and state partners.

Whether you’re a seasoned mentor or embarking on your first mentoring experience, this guide equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to excel.

Use the graphic to the rightbelow to access the Mentor Resource Guide.

Download a PDF version of the Mentor Resource Guide

Looking for Ways to Elevate Your Organization's Mentoring Strategy?

Check out DWD's community of practice series highlighting subject matter experts in the state of Indiana offering hints, tips, dos and don'ts on mentoring and training a diverse Hoosier workforce.