Mentoring Services

Quality LinCS has significant experience working with schools and more specifically, designing and managing mentoring programs for young people in the region.

Those mentoring programs designed and managed by Quality LinCS are designed with the needs of young person as the primary focus. Mentoring programs should assist and encourage young people, to ask questions, seek clarification and to set goals in regards to their career pathway. Quality LinCS is an active member of the Australian Youth Mentoring Network and uses the National Youth Mentoring Benchmarks when designing mentoring programs - considerable time is given to planning programs, the matching of 'mentors' and 'mentees' and providing ongoing support.

As a preferred provider for 'Student Mentoring and Youth Development' services, Quality LinCS provides guidance, support and encouragement to young people via mentoring programs. Young people may be eligible for mentor support if they are in years 5 - 12 and a particular focus will be on providing support for young people from low socio-economic backgrounds, young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, young people with a disability and Indigenous young people.

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship which involves one individual providing support, encouragement and information to another, based on their knowledge, life and experience. Mentoring often provides a two-way learning experience for both the 'mentor' and the 'mentee'.

A mentor can help by:

supporting, guiding and listening;
answering questions and helping to find answers;
encouraging a young person to set goals, explore their interests and design strategies to help achieve their dreams;
assist with the preparation required as a young person transitions from school to further study or employment;
being non-judgmental; and
sharing his / her life experiences.

What can Quality LinCS provide?

The model of mentoring provided by Quality LinCS will focus on individual, face to face mentoring with the mentor and mentee. Most mentoring will occur at a school site and will be delivered during school terms. The focus will be on young people working through a series of activities with their mentors designed to:

assist young people with their Personal Learning Plans (PLP),
focus on goal setting and overcoming obstacles to achieve goals,
assist with subject selection and information on the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE),
help improve employability skills, resume writing, interview techniques and general career planning,
assist with researching career and further study options; and
one on one career development and career pathways planning.

All mentors will participate in a thorough screening process before they are matched with a young person. Screening will include an interview, police check, reference checks and mentor training. The Quality LinCS Mentor Coordinator will work closely with school staff and parents / caregivers to ensure the young person’s involvement in the program is positive. The Quality LinCS Mentor Coordinator will also provide ongoing support to mentors and young people to ensure the ‘match’ is working for the benefit of the young person.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Quality LinCS Office.