{"id":8943,"date":"2025-07-14T16:04:25","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T20:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/?post_type=news&#038;p=8943"},"modified":"2025-09-08T08:43:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T12:43:04","slug":"mentorship-in-action","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/news\/mentorship-in-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Mentorship in Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Human Connections Power Career Success at Generation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Mentorship Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Generation, mentorship is more than just a support tool &#8211; it is a pillar of transformation. Across our programmes, mentorship plays a critical role in empowering learners, especially those facing systemic barriers to employment. By building trust, offering personalised guidance, and fostering confidence, mentors help our learners unlock their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/news\/mentorship-matters-key-learnings-from-generation-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Our data tells a clear story<\/a>: 89% of learners globally are satisfied with the mentorship they receive, and 94% say it is critical to completing the programme. Whether it\u2019s building self-esteem, navigating challenges, or securing the first job, mentorship remains one of the most effective interventions for learner success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this blogpost, we would like to showcase and celebrate the hundreds of mentors who work day in and day out with our learners across Europe! They really make a difference in the lives of our learners during the programme and of graduates post-graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who Are Our Mentors?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no effective mentorship without dedicated mentors and their commitment to excellence. Mentors at Generation wear many hats, and their diversity is one of our strengths. From coaches and soft skills trainers to industry professionals and peer supporters, each mentor brings a unique lens. This diversity allows us to tailor mentorship to fit individual learners&#8217; needs in different contexts, sectors, and life circumstances. At Generation, mentorship is provided by one or more of the categories below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In-house staff who offer ongoing social and pastoral support as well as coaching during and after training;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freelancers and training service providers (TSPs) who offer expert skills and employability support;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Volunteers from the professional world who generously donate their time and experience to guide learners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This mix ensures that mentorship at Generation is not a one-size-fits-all model. It&#8217;s flexible, inclusive, and responsive, just like the people we serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Meet Our Mentors and Mentees &#8211; Stories from Across Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind every data point is a human connection. Across Europe, our mentors are building relationships that do more than support learners: they help them reimagine what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jennifer-wickham-a33236b8\/?originalSubdomain=ie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jennifer Wickham<\/a>, our mentor in Ireland. Years ago, she was navigating a difficult chapter marked by early school leaving, homelessness, and low self-worth. A mentor once helped her rebuild her confidence and see her own value. Today, she\u2019s paying that gift forward as a mentor herself. \u201cMentorship is about building rapport, respect and understanding,\u201d she says. \u201cMy sole focus from day one is getting to know the person I work with. From then I point out people&#8217;s strengths and make them aware of what they do well and begin to help change mindsets\u201d. In the end, Jennifer believes, \u201cit&#8217;s not about giving people the answers, but about helping them identify their own answers and implement a plan around that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"556\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Jen-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8947\" style=\"width:460px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Jen-2.png 556w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Jen-2-300x261.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Our mentor in Ireland, Jennifer Wickham<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That idea &#8211; that mentoring is about empowerment, not instruction &#8211; resonates across all our programmes. In Italy, Generation helped Mattia, a young man with Down syndrome, enter the workforce through an internship at Feltrinelli. With the support of Selene Battezzati, his mentor,&nbsp; he learned how to interact with customers, manage tasks, and gain confidence in a retail environment. \u201cOur mentor helped me a lot because we combined theory with practice, and I really appreciate the sessions on up-selling and cross-selling,\u201d Mattia reflects. \u201cNow, I enjoy interacting with customers and pricing products. This experience confirmed that I am someone who is capable of using a computer and being very precise.\u201d His story is a testament to how mentorship, when done inclusively and respectfully, can unlock potential that might otherwise go unrecognised.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-10.23.07-759x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8945\" style=\"width:402px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-10.23.07-759x1024.png 759w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-10.23.07-222x300.png 222w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-10.23.07-768x1036.png 768w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-10.23.07.png 982w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Mattia recounting his mentorship experience<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the UK, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kemiadediran\/?originalSubdomain=uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kemi Adediran<\/a> brings her personal experience into every mentoring session. \u201cEntering the professional world was both exciting and daunting &#8211; I didn\u2019t always see people who looked like me in the roles I aspired to,\u201d she recalls. That memory has fuelled her commitment to helping vulnerable learners build not just skills, but self-belief. \u201cInterview anxiety often stems from imposter syndrome,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe don\u2019t shy away from that &#8211; we talk openly about it, normalise it, then challenge it.\u201d Kemi\u2019s approach blends mindset coaching with practical strategies: learners practice presenting to friends or complete mini projects to build confidence over time. For her, mentorship is about long-term transformation. \u201cThe honest conversations, encouragement, and belief in their potential stay with them long after the programme ends: fuelling continued success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSC_5650-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8948\" style=\"width:540px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSC_5650-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSC_5650-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSC_5650-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSC_5650-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/DSC_5650-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Our UK mentor Kemi Adediran addressing a group of learners<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/celine-goncz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">C\u00e9line G\u00f6ncz<\/a>, a mentor in France, takes a similarly holistic approach. Working with young people entering the tech sector through our Objectif M\u00e9tiers Tech programme, she sees mentorship not as an add-on but as central to learner transformation. \u201cSelf-confidence, autonomy, and a proactive mindset are crucial &#8211; both professionally and personally,\u201d she says. C\u00e9line blends peer co-development, coaching, and motivational strategies to support her mentees beyond just technical skills. \u201cThe goal,\u201d she explains, \u201cis to mobilise the resources that empower mentees to overcome challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"601\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/CGZ-Atelier_3_-601x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8944\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:327px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/CGZ-Atelier_3_-601x1024.png 601w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/CGZ-Atelier_3_-176x300.png 176w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/CGZ-Atelier_3_.png 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 601px) 100vw, 601px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>C\u00e9line during an \u201catelier\u201d with mentees<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That empowerment also means challenging societal perceptions, especially when mentoring adults who\u2019ve been sidelined by ageism or unemployment. In Spain, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/irene-gutierrez-capitan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Irene Guti\u00e9rrez<\/a> supports mid-career learners preparing for green jobs. Many arrive feeling that their experience is a disadvantage in a fast-changing economy. Irene sees things differently. \u201cAs a mentor, my goal is to highlight the unique skills and competencies each individual brings &#8211; regardless of their age &#8211; and to emphasize that their experience is always an asset, never a liability.\u201d Her mentorship style is deeply attentive and this is what also makes it rewarding, as it \u201ccreates a space to truly listen, understand their needs, and support them throughout their job search &#8211; responding to their concerns, providing tools to help them achieve their goals, and helping them feel empowered and responsible for their own achievements.\u201d This is why, for Irene, the greatest success is that \u201ctogether, we create a safe space where people can express themselves freely to help them take greater control over their path to employability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"397\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Foto-mentora-Irene-Gutierrez-Capitan80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8946\" style=\"width:288px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Foto-mentora-Irene-Gutierrez-Capitan80.png 397w, https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Foto-mentora-Irene-Gutierrez-Capitan80-221x300.png 221w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 397px) 100vw, 397px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Our mentor in Spain, Irene Guti\u00e9rrez<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s lived experience, disability inclusion, youth empowerment, or age diversity, mentorship at Generation adapts to meet learners where they are, and helps them move forward. These stories remind us that mentorship isn\u2019t transactional, but relational. And most of all, it\u2019s about building trust and assuring people they are seen, valued, and capable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mentorship as a Force for Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across Europe and beyond, mentorship at Generation helps build bridges between people and opportunity, between training and employment, and between aspiration and achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stories of Jenny, Mattia, Kemi, C\u00e9line, and Irene are not isolated. They echo broader themes seen throughout our mentorship work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Confidence-building: <\/strong>Mentors offer reassurance and practical advice that empower learners to take bold steps;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tailored support: <\/strong>Whether through adapted communication, job interview practice, or emotional guidance, mentorship meets learners where they are;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social inclusion: <\/strong>From refugee learners to people with disabilities, mentorship creates space for everyone to succeed;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustained employability:<\/strong> Mentorship boosts not only programme completion but also retention and growth in the workplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At a time when economic mobility and inclusion are urgent priorities across Europe, mentorship offers a human-centred solution with scalable impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Join Us in Expanding Mentorship Opportunities for All<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generation\u2019s vision for mentorship is grounded in dignity, respect, and shared progress. We are grateful to every mentor who has contributed to this vision across Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we look to the future, we invite employers, professional networks, mentorship organisations, and public institutions to collaborate with us. Together, we can expand mentorship opportunities for underserved populations and build a more inclusive labour market for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about our mentorship provision, please also check our article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/news\/mentorship-matters-key-learnings-from-generation-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mentorship Matters: Key Learnings from Generation Europe<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"band background-\">\n    \n    <div class=\"container container--default background-generation-blue-subtle has-background-color padding-default   container--rounded\">\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n<div id=\"grid-block_1a7fc7388812e7733a5b8c5d27288f3c\" class=\"grid grid--columns-2 grid--layout-default grid--width-66-33\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n<div class=\"c-grid-column c-grid-column--padding-default \">\n\t\n\t\n\n\n    \t<h2 class=\"heading heading--xs block-heading\">LET\u2019S START A CONVERSATION<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"c-lead--sm\">Click to discover how Generation can support you in building high-performing teams and creating lasting social impact.<\/p>\n\t\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"grid-block_044d2ee46c3b16cf8e93792e382aca49\" class=\"grid grid--columns-2 grid--layout-default grid--width-50-50\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n<div class=\"c-grid-column c-grid-column--padding-default \">\n\t\n\t\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/employers\/\" id=\"button-block_493c9f80ffa59fb2d6b33bbf6e9b32fd\" class=\"button aligncenter button--secondary  \"  >\n\tEmployers    \n    <svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n    <path d=\"M5 12H19\" stroke=\"#001725\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n    <path d=\"M12 5L19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"#001725\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n    <\/svg><\/a>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-grid-column c-grid-column--padding-default \">\n\t\n\t\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/partners\/\" id=\"button-block_31ce548887af0bcb2c61e762c8fc3d5d\" class=\"button button--white  \"  >\n\tFunders    \n    <svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n    <path d=\"M5 12H19\" stroke=\"#001725\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n    <path d=\"M12 5L19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"#001725\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n    <\/svg><\/a>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"c-grid-column c-grid-column--padding-default \">\n\t\n\t\n\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/generation\/image\/upload\/w_500,h_500,c_fit,q_auto:good\/global\/2024\/05\/CTA-EmployersFunders.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/generation\/image\/upload\/w_500,h_500,c_fit,q_auto:good\/global\/2024\/05\/CTA-EmployersFunders.jpg 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/generation\/image\/upload\/w_1000,h_1000,c_fit,q_auto:good\/global\/2024\/05\/CTA-EmployersFunders.jpg 1000w\" alt=\"\" class=\"image image--aspect-wide image--rounded-lg\" loading=\"lazy\" id=\"image-block_c57a07adc9c6ef3aeae9740ef2c98b56\"\/>\n\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n        \n    <\/div><\/div>\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Human Connections Power Career Success at Generation Why Mentorship Matters At Generation, mentorship is more than just a support tool &#8211; it is a pillar of transformation. Across our programmes, mentorship plays a critical role in empowering learners, especially those facing systemic barriers to employment. By building trust, offering personalised guidance, and fostering confidence, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8949,"template":"","outlet":[],"audience":[],"class_list":["post-8943","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wpautop"],"acf":[],"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Generation","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.generation.org","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/8943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"outlet","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/outlet?post=8943"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.generation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience?post=8943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}