Mentor Support Network

ROADS Traineeship Programme

The ROADS Foundation was established to address workforce shortages in the civil construction industry as well as address youth disadvantage by developing, coordinating and facilitating traineeship programmes for young people in civil construction.

Many of the young people recruited into the civil construction industry as trainees will have varying levels of emotional and social support needs, particularly in the first few months. Nationally there is about a 50% drop-out rate for civil construction trainees, a statistic which The ROADS Foundation is hoping to reduce by designing support systems to assist young people to become work ready and to stay for the duration of their traineeship by addressing their un- derlying emotional and social support needs.

ROADS’s mantra is that we link ‘job ready’ trainees with ‘trainee-ready’ employers.

In order to be job-ready, young people require:

  • Specific educational competencies and skills
  • Personal competencies such as time management, self-determination etc.
  • Supportive, encouraging training and learning environments
  • Underlying social and emotional needs addressed

The ROADS Trainee Coordinator arranges job readiness training for all successful applicants, and assesses their support needs. Once they commence their traineeship, it is not practicable for the Trainee Support Coordinator to provide the level of regular localised support that trainees may need during the first 3 months of their traineeship probation period and beyond.

To address the ‘drop-out’ rate in the initial traineeship period ROADS has established a Mentor Network in local communities and regions, who are able to meet the trainees’ support needs by:

  • Providing mentoring support during the first 3-6 months to address emotional and social needs
  • Making referrals for specialised support as required.

Mentor Role Description

Mentor Role

  • Support a young person to overcome any personal barriers that may set back the progress and / or completion of their traineeship
  • Build the relationship by planning and participating in telephone conversations and face-to- face meetings
  • Build the trainees resilience and motivate them
  • Assist the trainee to set goals and work toward accomplishing them
  • Keep accurate records of contacts and issues
  • Facilitate referrals for specialist support if required

Time Commitment

  • Make a minimum 2-6 month commitment
  • Make a minimum of one contact per week, whether by phone or face-to-face with the trainee. Some trainees may request more contact with you at certain times
  • Participate in initial mentor induction

Participation Requirements

  • At least 21 years old
  • Interested in working with young people
  • Willing to undertake a Police Check
  • Willing to adhere to all programme policies and procedures
  • Willing to complete the application and screening process
  • Dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
  • Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
  • Willing to communicate regularly with staff, submit activity information, and take construc- tive feedback regarding mentoring activities

Further Information

Please contact our Trainee Support Coordinator to discuss the Mentor Support Network in more detail.

Trainee Support Coordinator
Danica Blacklock
Ph: (08) 9323 4577
Mob: 0416 497 817
Email: danica.blacklock@roadsfoundation.com.au

To apply for a mentor position, download our registration form, complete and forward with attachments to:

The ROADS Foundation
Attn: Danica Blacklock
Don Aitken Centre
Waterloo Crescent
EAST PERTH WA 6004
or
Fax: (08) 9323 4323
or
Email: danica.blacklock@roadsfoundation.com.au