An Example for a “Train the Mentors” Course Seminar
Course Outline
- Introduction to mentoring: What is mentoring and why is it important in apprenticeships?
- Effective communication: How to establish trust, build rapport, and effectively communicate with apprentices
- Coaching and feedback: How to provide constructive feedback, help apprentices set goals, and track progress
- Goal setting and tracking progress: How to work with apprentices to develop goals, create action plans, and track progress
- Legal and ethical considerations: Understanding legal and ethical considerations in mentoring relationships
- Developing a mentoring plan: How to develop a mentoring plan that meets the needs of the apprentice and aligns with the goals of the apprenticeship program
Duration
The mentor training program should be approximately 10 hours in total. This can be spread out over multiple sessions, such as two 5-hour sessions or five 2-hour sessions.
Schedule
The training schedule should be developed based on the availability of the mentors. It is important to provide the training prior to the start of the mentoring program so that mentors are prepared to work with their apprentices.
| Topic | Duration | Schedule | Exercises | Role Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to mentoring | 1 hour | Week 1, Day 1, 9-10am | – Presentation on what is mentoring and why it’s important – Q&A session | – Mentors will introduce themselves and share their experiences – Role play exercise: mentor introduces themselves to apprentice |
| Effective communication | 2 hours | Week 1, Day 2, 9-11am | – Presentation on effective communication – Small group discussion on communication challenges – Communication exercises | – Role play exercise: mentor and apprentice practice communication skills |
| Coaching and feedback | 2 hours | Week 2, Day 1, 9-11am | – Presentation on coaching and feedback – Small group discussion on how to give effective feedback – Feedback exercise | – Role play exercise: mentor gives feedback to apprentice on a project |
| Goal setting and tracking progress | 2 hours | Week 2, Day 2, 9-11am | – Presentation on goal setting – Small group discussion on how to set SMART goals – Goal setting exercise | – Role play exercise: mentor and apprentice set goals and create an action plan |
| Legal and ethical considerations | 1 hour | Week 3, Day 1, 9-10am | – Presentation on legal and ethical considerations – Q&A session | – Discussion on ethical dilemmas mentors may face and how to handle them |
| Developing a mentoring plan | 2 hours | Week 3, Day 2, 9-11am | – Presentation on developing a mentoring plan – Small group discussion on how to tailor mentoring plans to meet individual apprentice needs – Mentoring plan exercise | – Role play exercise: mentor and apprentice review and discuss their mentoring plan |
Exercises
- Role-playing exercises: Mentors can practice communication skills, coaching, and goal-setting with other mentors or program staff.
- Case studies: Mentors can review case studies and discuss how they would handle different mentoring scenarios.
- Self-reflection: Mentors can reflect on their own experiences as apprentices or mentors and how those experiences can inform their approach to mentoring.
Role Play
Role play exercises can be a valuable tool in mentor training. Mentors can practice communication skills, coaching, and goal-setting with other mentors or program staff. For example, mentors can role-play different scenarios with an apprentice, such as giving feedback on a project or discussing career goals. The role-play exercises can help mentors develop their skills and gain confidence in their ability to work effectively with apprentices.
Conclusion
Effective mentor training is critical to the success of any pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program. By following a comprehensive training program, mentors will be better equipped to provide guidance and support to apprentices, which will ultimately help them succeed in their careers.
