Mentoring is the foundation of vocational training and apprenticeships, yet this standard is the first formal recognition of this role. Nowadays, mentoring takes place in all parts of the Education and Training Sector (ETS) and staff-development contexts. LMs support learners of all ages, and all levels, to develop within a new work role. These learners may be, for example, apprentices, trainees or new recruits (ranging from young entrants, to new CEOs) in the workplace, or in any vocational learning environment.
LMs will have sector-specific experience and qualifications, as determined by their employer or professional body, which they use to guide and advise those who are less experienced and new to a work role. The LM is therefore a ‘dual professional’ having both up-to-date knowledge and skills in a specialist vocational or subject area, together with the generic skills necessary to support learners (as potentially a first step towards a secondary role as an education and training professional).
12 Months
Whilst entry requirements are a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have achieved appropriate level 3 qualifications on entry e.g., 3 GCE “A” Levels at Grades A to C, or a vocational equivalent. Apprentices are also expected to have typically achieved Maths and English at Level 2 prior to starting the apprenticeship.
On-programme Assessment
Apprentices must achieve a minimum of Level 1 Safeguarding, before End Point Assessment
Develop and maintain a portfolio, (a log or record of activity) and showcase (demonstrates their exemplar practice in achieving the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Standard)
End Point Assessment
Learning Mentor Observations: 2 sessions with minimum 2 learners (120 minutes). The observation will involve learners who will be taking part in a genuine mentoring session, not role playing; it will usually be a one-to-one session, but group mentoring may also be observed; other learners will not be present during these observations.
Professional Discussion: during 60 minutes the apprentice will have to prove that they have met all Learning Mentor standard objectives with portfolio and showcase.
Upon completion learner can progress towards degree level qualification at university or degree level apprenticeship.
The LM could progress further within their vocation specialism and/or into roles involving the assessment and coaching of vocational learners. They may also be eligible to progress onto a full teaching role within an education and training provider organisation.
Currently due to COVID 19 we are teaching online learning. All of our classes are conducted through online Microsoft Teams or Zoom. All of our assessments are also submitted through online systems and feedback is provided to the learners. If any learners will need extra support, we will provide 1-to-1 tutorials to meet their learning needs. However, we will move towards campus-based studies upon the government guidelines and needs of our employers and apprentices.
