Business News
Proskills to Introduce a Cross-Sector Coaching & Mentoring Scheme for Managers
Monday 30. March 2009 - Proskills, the sector skills council for the process & manufacturing sector, which includes the print and paper industries is currently piloting a scheme to introduce a cross-sector Coaching and Mentoring Programme.
The initiative aims to provide first line managers, supervisors and owner/managers of SMEs with an opportunity to be mentored by highly experienced senior individuals from across the Proskills sector footprint, giving them access to invaluable experience in tackling common business issues, obtaining advice as well as sharing best business management practice.
At a time when economic cutbacks are putting pressure on many first time managers to take on additional responsibilities without any previous experience or training, this Coaching and Mentoring initiative can offer immediate, focused support when it is really needed.
Developed in response to employer demand, the Coaching & Mentoring Scheme aims to match mentees desired requirements or areas of learning with proven expertise from mentors from a range of industries across the process and manufacturing sector. Unlike conventional training courses, the unique approach to this scheme is that it focuses on providing immediate assistance based on what mentees want, and when demand arises.
Commenting on the new initiative, Terry Watts, Chief Executive of Proskills UK said, “The benefit for managers to network with experienced seasoned individuals, obtain advice and have a sounding board to discuss industry issues is invaluable, even more so during this recession, where many are facing tough challenges for the first time, and could benefit significantly from those who have already experienced hard times.”
Mentees will be put in touch with suitable mentors via telephone, email as well as face to face meetings. Longer-term plans include networking via webinars and web-conferencing facilities.
The coaching and mentoring scheme is aligned to the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, and aims to meet the Approved Provider Standard, which is a national benchmark for organisations providing mentoring.
Proskills is keen to attract as many participants as possible across its sector footprint, so that experience can be shared through a wider industry exposure, including mentors who have weathered previous recessions and can provide valuable guidance to the new generation of senior and middle managers.