When people think about mentoring, they often focus on the conversation itself.
The advice shared, the questions asked, the career paths discussed.
What often goes unseen is the preparation beforehand.
Recently, Antony Grace, Director of ASH Integrated Services, joined fellow mentors at St John Rigby College to support students as they prepare for their next steps after education.
Before the students arrived, mentors gathered to understand the objectives of the session, discuss how best to support the young people attending, and consider the experiences they could share.
Supporting Students Through Important Decisions
Choosing what comes next after college can feel overwhelming.
Students are faced with decisions about university, apprenticeships, employment, and training opportunities.
Many are making choices that could influence the direction of their careers for years to come.
Having access to people who have already navigated those decisions can make a real difference.
Mentoring provides an opportunity to ask questions, explore different pathways, and gain insight into the realities of the workplace.
The Value of Real-World Experience
Throughout his career, Antony has worked across the mechanical and electrical engineering sector, building businesses, developing teams, and supporting apprentices entering the industry.
Experiences like these allow students to hear directly from people working in the careers they may be considering.
The aim is not to tell young people what to do.
It is to help them make informed decisions based on honest conversations and practical advice.
Confidence Comes From Conversation
Many students already have the ability, ambition, and potential to succeed.
Sometimes what they need is reassurance.
A conversation with someone outside their immediate circle can help build confidence, challenge assumptions, and open their eyes to opportunities they may not have considered.
That is why mentoring remains such a valuable part of careers education.
Investing in Future Talent
Supporting schools and colleges has become an important part of Antony’s work outside the day-to-day running of ASH Integrated Services.
Alongside his involvement with schools, colleges, the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, and industry advisory groups, mentoring provides another opportunity to support future talent and help address the skills challenges facing many sectors.
As St John Rigby College said following the event:
“We’re proud to be supported by an incredible group of mentors who are guiding and inspiring our students as they prepare for their next steps after college. Through their advice, insight, and experience, they’re helping our students feel confident about the future.”
We would like to thank St John Rigby College for the opportunity to take part and wish every student the very best as they plan their future.
After all, good mentoring takes practice, but every successful career starts with a conversation.
Let’s Inspire the Next Generation
Supporting future talent starts with creating opportunities for meaningful conversations.
If you’re a school, college, training provider, or employer looking to strengthen links between education and industry, get in touch to see how we can work together.
