Business Mentoring Graduation Day

“Working with young people is most rewarding. You can grow as a person and develop your career skills including adapting to different audiences and stepping out of your comfort zone. Being open-minded to this experience is key!” – Oliver Kirkman (DHL Express Mentor)

ThinkForward is a charity that empowers young people through long-term coaching. The Business Mentoring Programme aims to prepare young people for the world of work, giving them the opportunity to experience the workplace and receive support from business mentors. During the six-week programme, 20 students from two ThinkForward schools based in Nottingham and Kent, were supported by mentors from DHL Express and DHL eCommerce. It was wonderful to bring our mentors and their mentees together for a final celebration day to reflect on all their hard work and the success of its impact. The buzz in the room was infectious and it was smiles with a strong sense of accomplishment all round!

A common theme stood out on the day – growth. It was clear that the students progressed significantly from when they started their mentoring journey. Over the last six weeks, DHL mentors helped them set personal goals, write CVs and cover letters, prepare for mock interviews, and practice presenting. In a short period, they have built key employability skills that will undoubtedly contribute to their future career paths.

A ThinkForward coach who works closely with the young people shared “I’ve seen fantastic growth from seeing students that usually struggle with attendance to regularly showing up every week. There have been quieter students who have been engaged, interacted, and put their hands up. It’s just great to see them thrive in this environment.” Another coach went on to say “They are now ahead of their peers in terms of having a CV together, having had their first mock interview experience and preparing for their next steps beyond school. It is also amazing to see the positive benefits for the mentors, and how it has helped in changing opinions of this generation of young people.”

A student said “Business Mentoring has really helped me improve my confidence, stepping out of my comfort zone has showed me what I can do when I put my mind to it. I now don’t feel scared of getting into work when I finish school and of having my first interview!”

When students were asked to share their experience of the Business Mentoring Programme with DHL, they gave a 94% positive rating with 70% of the young people saying that the programme helped them to be more organised and have better communication skills. The programme and celebration day highlighted that opportunities like business mentoring go a long way and provide meaning for underserved young people. We are excited to see what’s next for them!

If you would like to support young people through GoTeach, please submit your details via our form: https://www.dhlukfoundation.org/how-to-get-involved-form/