Foundation Placement Scheme - Call for Mentors (15/11/2010)
Screen Yorkshire is seeking senior industry professionals to act as mentors for the Foundation Placement Scheme trainees who are approaching the end of their placement experiences. Mentoring has been identified as an integral tool to help trainees make that leap from pre-entry to entry-level and to become industry professionals in their own right.
The Foundation Placement Scheme (FPS) is a 12 month, pre-entry level, paid, vocational training placement for individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds who are looking to build experience in the media industry. Established over 7 years ago, the scheme gives talented individuals from across the region the opportunity to gain the skills, experience and networks in order to kick-start a career in media & broadcasting.
We are looking for experienced industry professionals who are able to offer guidance to trainees and can commit to three meetings over a three-month period (travel expenses will be reimbursed). Trainees are based in roles across the media & broadcasting spectrum including film, TV, radio, community media and the games industry. We are therefore looking to recruit mentors from right across the industry, ideally based in the North.
What will it involve?
- Attendance at one training/introductory session (either a lunchtime or an evening event)
- A minimum of 3 face-to-face meetings with your mentee
- A reasonable amount of contact to be maintained via email/’phone in between meetings – to be discussed and agreed with your mentee in advance
- Input into the end-of-project evaluation (this could by telephone or email)
What’s in it for me?
- A good CPD opportunity to enhance your personal skills and receive formal training in mentoring and coaching techniques
- Satisfaction knowing that you have helped someone move a step closer to realise their goals, and offered sound guidance through these next stages of their career
- An opportunity to help make headway around the diversity agenda
- A chance to meet new talent; possibly even a prospective employee
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in becoming a mentor on the scheme, simply email marsha.witter@itv.com with a brief overview of your career history, detailing any particular skills or qualities you think you could offer as a mentor. Alternatively, call the Scheme Manager Marsha Witter on 0113 2227068 for a more informal discussion. The deadline for expressing interest in the scheme is Friday 03rd December.
For further information about the mentor programme and the Foundation Placement Scheme, please see the FAQs, or visit www.foundationplacementscheme.org.uk/.
