Anglia Ruskin University's annual Mentoring Awards ceremony has taken place at the University's East Road campus in Cambridge to mark the successful conclusion of the 2007-2008 Employer Mentoring Scheme.

The scheme, which attracted some 50 or so business participants in this its fifth year, is designed to match students at university with individuals in a relevant job, who make a commitment to help them gain an understanding of their work environment, its culture, its expectations, its demands and even its frustrations.

During the celebratory event, the participating students and their employer mentors received certificates from the Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Mike Dixon, to acknowledge their contribution to the scheme which has seen them working together in a mentoring relationship for a period of six months.

Employers nationally identify the lack of business awareness among graduates as being a significant barrier to progress. Addressing this key concern, Anglia Ruskin University's Employer Mentoring Scheme has been developed as a targeted program, giving individual students support and mentoring from a graduate or professional from local organisations. On a one-to-one basis, these mentors are invaluable in encouraging and helping the coming generation of our graduates to understand, evaluate and enhance their personal skills and business awareness.

The region's participating employers include Cambridge Building Society, PI Consulting, Motorola, Eversheds and online security firm nCipher, Cambridge Consultants, East Cambs District Council, Cambridge City Council, Cambridge Constabulary, Stagecoach and a range of other organisations including Addenbrookes and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

All participants benefit at the outset from a free Anglia Ruskin University introductory training session. More importantly, the mentoring experience and the University's ongoing support develops the skills of participating staff, providing them with a valuable developmental opportunity. The scheme is highly regarded within the sector and has Home Office recognition.

A further benefit for employers is, of course, their access to motivated and enthusiastic students, potentially aiding with future recruitment.

Many trained mentors returned to the scheme this year but more are invited for next year's programme. If you are an employer and would like to find out more about taking part please contact:

Katie Morris tel. 0845 196 2541 or email katie.morris@anglia.ac.uk
Jan Haldane tel. 0845 196 4273 or email jan.haldane@anglia.ac.uk