Mentoring unemployed young adults to dream bigger and break down the steps to reach their goals: process evaluation of the Mentoring 2 Work Project

Without timely and targeted intervention, young adults are at a high risk of missing out on a strong entry into the labour market, resulting in long-term financial disadvantage. Mentoring programs have gained popularity in recent years, especially in relation to young people, as they meet a human need for the giving and receiving of intergenerational support. The Mentoring 2 Work (M2W) Project was designed to assist unemployed young people find work through mentoring support. Delivered under the Australian Government Department of Social Services' 'Try, Test and Learn' fund, with [Council on the Ageing, Western Australia] COTA WA selected as the backbone organisation of the program, the project provided one-on-one mentoring support to unemployed young adults with a focus on career exploration, job-readiness and finding a job. The M2W initiative paired unemployed young adults (aged 18 to 25) at risk of long-term unemployment with a volunteer mentor, who supported them through the processes of identifying a career, searching for work, and preparing for employment. To be eligible to participate, the young person needed to: be aged under 25; have received a welfare payment in the 6 months prior to recruitment; and not have a significant connection to the workforce.

This process evaluation report focuses on the program operation, beginning with recruitment, screening and sign up followed by training and preparation form mentors and mentees. It presents the processes for matching mentors and mentees, mentoring activities, support from project staff and program closure. It concludes with key observations and considerations that underpin the project's activities.

Edited excerpt from publication with additional information. Show less