Youth Mentor

The Youth Mentor is a trusted and dependable adult from the community who is matched with a young person aged 18–24 to provide consistent encouragement, guidance and practical support alongside their existing employability journey.

The role focuses on building confidence, motivation, routine and positive relationships, helping young people to develop self‑belief, resilience and readiness for work. Mentoring complements the support already provided by the young person’s Employment Advisor and is designed to reinforce progress through regular, supportive contact.

Youth Mentors meet with their mentee for approximately one hour per week, providing structure, a listening ear, and appropriate challenge where needed. This is a relationship‑based role that relies on establishing trust over time while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

The role requires reliability, commitment and the ability to work within agreed safeguarding procedures and contact expectations. Youth Mentors are expected to act as positive role models, offering consistent support while respecting the young person’s independence and wider support network.

Where will you be located?

You 

will be out in the local area in public spaces which have been risk assessed such as parks, libraries and community spaces. The exact location will depend on Mentor/Mentee preference and a list of available spaces will be made available to volunteers.

Skills

No formal qualifications are required for this role. We are primarily looking for individuals who have a genuine interest in supporting and encouraging young people.

Youth Mentors should have strong listening and communication skills, be approachable, patient and reliable. Being able to build positive, trusting relationships is at the heart of the role. An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the challenges and barriers young people face in accessing and sustaining employment. This may include but isn’t limited to: low confidence, lack of motivation, mental health difficulties, lack of work experience, unstable life circumstances, limited life admin skills.

Volunteers should be comfortable working within clear boundaries, open to guidance and supervision, and committed to following safeguarding procedures and agreed expectations. Life experience, empathy, and a positive, non‑judgemental attitude are valued more highly than professional or academic qualifications.

Training

All Youth Mentors receive a structured induction and ongoing training to ensure they feel confident and well‑supported in the role.

Training begins with a 3‑hour onboarding session, which can be completed in a single session or split into two shorter sessions depending on availability. This induction covers key topics including:

• Building positive and effective mentoring relationships
• Understanding common barriers faced by young people aged 18–24
• Professional boundaries and expectations
• Safeguarding responsibilities
• Discussion of realistic case studies to support practical learning

In addition, mentors complete a short e‑learning package covering essential topics such as Health and Safety, PREVENT, and Safeguarding.

Youth Mentors also have access to optional additional training to support their development and interests. These sessions may include topics such as neurodiversity, mental health awareness, and employment and career pathways for young people.No previous training or qualifications are required, as all core training is provided. Ongoing guidance and support are available throughout the mentoring relationship.