Steps Ahead Mentoring

Are you at the start of your career, and need help to land a job? Or, you might be a parent or carer looking to return to work, and feel like you've lost your confidence.

We’re here to help. Our free programme will match you with an expert in the world of work, who can give you the practical advice and confidence needed to get you on track for the career you want.

What is Steps Ahead Mentoring?

Steps Ahead is a free national mentoring programme. We support young people (18-24) who want to take their first step on the career ladder, and parents or carers of any age who are looking to return to work, whether that's building or changing their career.

You will get one-to-one mentoring support from experts in recruiting and developing employees. Mentors volunteer their unique insight and knowledge of the world of work to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to help you get the job you want and thrive in it.

Your mentor will give you advice and support on your CV, application forms, finding a job, interview technique, and more. Sessions take place remotely and are tailored to what will be the most helpful for you. We help people looking to enter any industry or sector.

My first meeting was really nerve wracking for me. I thought, 'Oh, what's my mentor going to think?' But I turned up and she was so great. She was so welcoming and completely put me at ease. We just talked about what I wanted out of the mentoring scheme and what kind of path I wanted to take.

Alice

Young jobseeker, Liskeard, Cornwall

Speaking to a professional who recognised my ability, skills and potential, gave me a lot of confidence. Also having professional guidance and mentoring on how to answer key questions in interviews was very useful. The mentoring sessions have allowed me to reconnect with the person I was before my career break. I feel much more confident and aware of my capabilities from the mentoring I received.

Shabana

Parent returner, Manchester

I thought my CV was good to begin with but Katrina [my mentor] made me see things I hadn't even considered. It was a great help to analyse how the language I had used would be portrayed. Katrina would take me through mock interviews and ask difficult questions so I was well prepared and confident in my answers when it came to interviews and assessment centres. I have no doubt that Katrina’s mentoring was a massive contributor to securing a great job I wanted.

Stuart

Young jobseeker, Musselburgh, Scotland

My mentor greatly helped me and tailored all my sessions to what was most beneficial for me. In between the sessions she was available to contact over email for any questions that I had. It was useful that my mentor worked in HR. She helped me to break down the job description and what key points to pull out and include in my application and cover letter.

Keisha

Young jobseeker, East London