Employer Mentoring Scheme welcomes and introduces new cohort of participants in Chelmsford

Press release issued: 16 November 2006



Image of the audience at the mentoring event
Click on image for a larger version
Anglia Ruskin University recently staged this year's 'pairing' event which marks the launch of its annual Employer Mentoring Scheme, an employability initiative managed by the Careers Service. The event, which took place on the Rivermead campus, was attended by around 130 very nervous people. The purpose of the University hosted event was to introduce the employee mentors, who have all received free Anglia Ruskin mentoring training and instruction, to the student mentees whom they will be supporting in their workplace environments during sessions over the next 6 months.

Tony West, the Director of Research and Development Services was at the event to welcome and thank the employer mentors and give the Scheme his personal backing.


Tony said:

"This scheme is an integral part of the University's commitment to supporting the Knowledge Economy, by developing graduates with the right skills base for business and public sector needs."

l-r are Christine Beevers, second-year International Financial Markets degree course student, Paula Williamson, of Royal & Sun Alliance, Tony West (Director RDS), Jan Haldane (Scheme Co-ordinator), Julia Cook, of British Nuclear Group, Bradwell and Glenn Shaw, second-year Planning degree course student
Click on image for a larger version


This targeted programme gives second year students an opportunity to be supported and mentored by a graduate professional on a one-to-one basis. Each mentor volunteers to help a student with evaluating and enhancing their personal skills and developing a greater understanding of the real business world.

There are 71 student/employee pairs, with student mentees being drawn from 3 faculties. Forty-eight local organisations are involved this year, from a wide range of industry sectors, while 95 in total have now participated over the last 5 years on the Chelmsford campus. The mentors range from newly qualified graduates to senior managers and company directors.



Jan Haldane, the scheme Coordinator at Chelmsford confirmed why the programme is so important:

"The Employer Mentoring Scheme enforces our commitment to enhancing the employability of our students. It provides a vital link between academic life and the world of work. Our volunteer mentors donate their time and effort supporting our students' employability. We are delighted to have brought so many new companies on board this year."

Of the 48 businesses supplying mentors are new this year, 15 are new. They are:-
  • ARRK Technical Services Ltd
  • BBC Essex
  • Be Business Wise
  • British Nuclear Group
  • Castlepoint and Rochford PCT
  • The Crown Prosecution Service
  • Fortis Bank
  • Her Majesty's Court Service
  • JSPS Solicitors
  • Mitre House Chambers
  • The National Probation Service
  • Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems
  • Silverbeck Rymer Solicitors
  • Tanfield Chambers
  • Wortley Byers Solicitors
This year's scheme will conclude in six months' time, culminating in the staging of a celebratory Awards Event for all participants and guests in Chelmsford on the evening of 23 May 2007.

For more information please contact Jan Haldane on 0845 196 4273
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