The ROADS Foundation Mentor Support Network      

The ROADS Foundation Programme helps to empower young trainees to take on and complete traineeships in civil construction. The mentoring programme uses adult volunteers to commit to offer support and guidance to a young person for a period of 2-6 months, with the possibility of extending if needed to help the trainee develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

With the generous support of Lotterywest, the ROADS Foundation has been able to establish a statewide network of mentors across WA. It is necessary that the people who comprise this network have some degree of experience in dealing with young people, and some knowledge of the kind of issues they are likely to be facing as trainees.

Several of our mentors are youth or community workers who are based within a community, and have some experience engaging with 'at risk' or disadvantaged young people. For mentors who do not have this level of expertise, training, resources and support are provided in how to engage young trainees.

Training/Support of Mentors:

All mentors are screened, requiring a Police Clearance. Training is provided to mentors in order to ensure consistency in the level of support provided.

Mentors are provided with:

-Clearly articulated role statements and administrative and program procedures

-Risk management and confidentiality policies

-Documented criteria which define eligibility for participation in the program

-Consistent reporting requirements and referral protocols.

-Adequate ongoing financial and in-kind resources.

-Program evaluation and ongoing assessment

For the mentor training programme, ROADS has adapted several mentor training packages such as those available through Mentoring Australia.

Mentor Role

-Support a young person to overcome any personal barriers which might be hindering them from settling into and completing their traineeship in civil construction.

-Build the relationship by planning and participating in telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings.

-Build the young trainee's self-esteem and motivation.

-Help the young trainee 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 8 contacts per month either on the phone or face-to-face with the young trainee. Some trainees may request more contact with you at certain times.

-Communicate with the mentee at least once a week.

-Attend an initial compulsory training session and;

-Attend additional optional training sessions, mentor/mentee group events, mentor debrief and support groups, and programme recognition events throughout the year.

Participation Requirements

-Be at least 21 years old.

-Be interested in working with young people.

-Be willing to undertake a Police Check.

-Be willing to communicate regularly with programme staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities.  

-Be willing to adhere to all programme policies and procedures.

-Be willing to complete the application and screening process.

-Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments.

-Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed.

-Ideally have access to a vehicle.

Download Mentor Position Description

Download Information for Mentors

Download Mentor Application Form

Download Police Check Application Form

Please contact Trainees' Support Coordinator on
Ph: (08) 9323 4577