Wiseup expands mentoring programmes into Manchester with new Add People Partnership
Wiseup is very excited to announce the expansion of our programmes into our hometown of Greater Manchester, with the launch of our Pathfinder Programme with Add People!
A local Altrincham based company, Add People is a dynamic advertising agency with an emphasis on their culture and staff. We’re thrilled to partner with one of the area’s top employers on a programme that champions social mobility for students. Read on to learn more about our brand new partnership.
Add People’s Pathfinder Programme
Kicking things off at Add People’s offices yesterday, the Wiseup Team were joined by the volunteer mentors for an interactive workshop held by Wiseup Mentor – Stephen Chandler that covered a number of core areas, including: bringing out a mentee’s strengths, goal setting, navigating questions and preparing for mentoring sessions to suit each stage of the programme.
The five mentors were all enthusiastic as they participated in the briefing workshop, with their eagerness to commit their full attention and energy to the programme evident. Soon, they will work 1-2-1 with their mentees from Wellington School, who will attend the work experience week in June, along with four mentoring sessions.
The programme will see mentors and students meet for their first in-school mentoring sessions in the coming weeks. These sessions will introduce the mentees to their mentors, help answer any questions, and ease them into the upcoming work experience. A follow-up session will further prepare students before they step into Add People’s vibrant offices for a week of real-world learning in the summer.
During the work placement, students will gain invaluable exposure to the advertising/marketing industry, with conversations and workshops planned for a variety of job roles and areas of the business.
The students will also participate in shadowing opportunities, interactive workshops, and insightful talks from experienced professionals. This structured approach will not only introduce them to various roles within advertising but also equip them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workplace.
For many of the students, this will be their first experience in an office environment. Similarly, this is the first programme of its kind in the area, and we’re proud to be partnered with such a forward thinking business on this initiative.
Why it’s important
Mentoring and work experience programmes are important as sadly, many schools are simply overstretched and can struggle with sourcing work experience for their students. For the students with familiar connections, this is no issue. For the students without such connections however, this can be the difference between leveraging the next steps in their career and feeling stuck and unsure what to do post-school.
This is why our programmes are truly impactful; they give the participants a window into the world of work, bridging the gap between businesses and schools, and allows them to gain insightful experiences they otherwise would never have had.
We’re excited to work with Add People with their energy and enthusiasm, knowing that they will make this experience one to remember for the students. Stay tuned for updates as their programme unfolds over the next few months!
