An exclusive chat with those providing support to our apprentices
At MEGT, we recognise the transformative power of mentors and the positive impact they bring for our apprentices from sign up through to completion. Through their guidance, support, and wisdom, our mentors work with apprentices, and their employers, to help them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
We had the privilege of speaking to three exceptional members of MEGT’s mentoring team to uncover more about their role and the inspiring paths that led them to become mentors.
What inspired you to become a mentor?
Western Australian mentor Mardi Fogilani said, "I have always worked in industries where my leadership skills and experiences can be utilised to both enrich myself and others and make an impact that is worthy. I want to help others evolve and ensure they feel included in whatever they do to become successful"
"The main thing for me is to make a difference in the apprentice’s life and to really help them complete their dreams and goals in finishing their apprenticeship. I love being that extra support person for them along the way," Simmone Cuevas, a Victorian mentor told us. "I just wanted to show them they aren’t alone."
How do you approach mentoring and supporting apprentices in a way that is tailored to their unique needs and experiences?
"Our team takes on a person-centred approach in supporting our apprentices. We act as their voice, advocating for them when they are not able to. MEGT is a little different than other organisations, in that our mentors have qualifications in mental health, psychology, counselling or social work", MEGT Mentoring Services Manager Jodi Stevens explains.
Mardi added "We build rapport, give focused advice and design our mentoring for each person by identifying each mentee's unique strengths. We provide guidance and not just answers and show empathy to ensure they feel comfortable if they need to manage any barriers they face. Our goal is for apprentices to gain confidence so they can unlock their true potential."
"It also depends on the individual’s needs and situation, their industry and sometimes their background," Simmone added. "For women in trades specifically, we make sure we connect them to other women. Finding connections is always a good place to start, especially if they are the only female on site."
What main piece of advice do you have for apprentices who may be hesitant as they start their apprenticeship?
"I think we all agree that the best piece of advice is to just back yourself! Make sure you do some research in the industry you are interested in and even about the employer that wants to sign you on," Jodi stated.
"Absolutely back yourself. You never know if you never try. No one is stopping you anymore and if they try, don’t let them tell you otherwise. If it’s what you want to do, give it a go," Simmone agreed. "MEGT’s Career Hub team helps people considering an apprenticeship with advice and resources. The Women in Trades team also run events where current women in the trade industry talk about their experiences. We also suggest that they may want to try a pre-apprenticeship program in an area they are interested in."
Finally, why do you believe mentoring is so important?
Simmone told us "Our role is important because we act as a confidential guide; someone who doesn’t provide any judgement while at the same time offering professional and honest support and advice."
"We provide the mentee with the guidance, encouragement and motivation they need to become the best possible employees and for employers we help them also so all parties can succeed," Mardi agrees.
"It’s all about ensuring that an apprentice has the best chance of completing their apprenticeship," Jodi adds, noting that mentorship helps increase apprenticeship completion rates.
We are grateful for all that our mentors do and their unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
For more information about MEGT’s mentoring services, visit https://www.megt.com.au/apprentices-and-trainees/get-support-during-my-apprenticeship-or-traineeship/in-training-services.
