Learning mentor

As a learning mentor you could:

• support students in lessons and activities
•  build relationships with students and promote positive behaviour
•  create action plans with students and monitor their progress
•  keep records, prepare reports and give advice to families
•  work with teachers and other professionals like social workers, education welfare officers and educational psychologists

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could specialise in working with particular groups, like excluded students. You could also become a senior mentor.

With further training, you could move into:

• student advice and guidance
•  teaching
•  counselling
•  educational welfare
•  social work