Overview
A Learning Mentor's job is supporting learners of all ages, and all levels, to develop within a new work role. These learners may be, for example, apprentices, trainees or new recruits (ranging from young entrants, to new CEOs) in the workplace, or in any vocational learning environment.
Mentoring is - and has been for centuries - the foundation of vocational training and apprenticeships, yet this standard is the first formal recognition of this role. Nowadays, mentoring takes place in all parts of the Education and Training Sector (ETS) and staff-development contexts.
Learning Mentor's (LMs) will have sector-specific experience and qualifications, as determined by their employer or professional body, which they use to guide and advise those who are less experienced and new to a work role. The LM is therefore a ‘dual professional’ having both up-to-date knowledge and skills in a specialist vocational or subject area, together with the generic skills necessary to support learners (as potentially a first step towards a secondary role as an education and training professional).
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- Entry requirements
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Level
Level 3
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Delivery/Study method
A minimum of 30 hours on the job training at the work place per week including a day/block release to study theory at our Uxbridge/Hayes/Richmond or Harrow campus.
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What will I learn?
The Learning Mentor will be able to:
Provide mentoring support
- Advise, guide and supervise learners to acquire the most benefit from their learning programme
- Communicate and collaborate effectively and use effective questioning, listening and assertiveness skills
- Work with education providers and workplace colleagues to plan and implement structured and meaningful learning and work experience
- Maintain appropriate records for the learning programme, complying with quality, confidentiality and data protection requirements
- Be vigilant in safeguarding learners and others in contact with them
- Maintain the currency of their vocational skills.
The Learning Mentor will understand:Procedures for effective mentoring
- Effective practice in providing accurate and relevant vocational/pastoral advice and guidance
- Effective questioning, active-listening and assertiveness techniques
- Learning programme requirements and the need to plan contextualised learning in authentic or realistic work settings with the learner support team
- The mentor’s role in supporting the learner’s development and how to provide valid evidence of progress and achievement
- Opportunities for continuing professional development
- Quality assurance requirements relating to the mentoring environment.
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Duration and assessment
Minimum 12 months
Outcomes for this standard must include:
- Level 1 Safeguarding
- Employers may also wish candidates to achieve appropriate additional qualifications in Education and Training including mentorship
- Candidates may have achieved maths, English and ICT skills at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above) prior to commencing their training. Those that have not, must achieve this prior to taking the end-point assessment.
- The above outcomes will be achieved before the end-point assessment.
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Where next? Career/study opportunities
The LM could progress further within their vocation specialism and/or into roles involving the assessment and coaching of vocational learners. They may also be eligible to progress onto a full teaching role within an education and training provider organisation.