The UK’s most successful mentoring scheme for project managers welcomes former mentees back as mentors for the first time this year with the aim to “inspire others to reach their goals”.
Coordinated by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), the Project Management Mentoring Programme matches mentors and mentees from both the oil and gas industry as well as cross sector project managers.
A total of 117 mentees and mentors from 44 companies have taken part in the programme, having accumulated in excess of 2500 CPD hours in its ninth year in 2022.
Among those mentees returning this year is Chris Rasiah, Engineering Manager with Genesis Oil and Gas who was a mentor on the 2020 programme.
“I had a lot of experience in project management but little understanding of the Association of Project Management and how it fits my experiences and skills,” said Chris.
“My mentor was very supportive and encouraging which led me to complete the Project Professional Qualification and further develop a wider picture of project management.
“In 2022, being a Mentor for the ECITB scheme offers the opportunity to share in others’ journey in project management. I hope to give back that encouragement and inspire others to reach their goals,” added Chris.
Innes Turnbull, Project Manager at Baker Hughes, is another mentee returning as a mentor in 2022.
“When I joined the programme as a mentee I had spent numerous years working in project management roles. I was aware that I worked in a certain way and there was more to learn and understand to expand my field of view,” he said.
“It became apparent this was an opportunity to discuss items, concepts and feedback to provide meaningful development points in a safe setting with real life examples. The use of the assessment matrix was key to this in reviewing what you think you know and what you actually know.
“I applied to come back as a mentor as I have been involved in coaching and mentor roles in the past and having benefitted from the programme was looking to contribute to the programme and to keep learning, developing and expanding my outlook,” added Innes.
To date, there have been more than 117 participants, many of whom are working towards chartered status with professional bodies such as the Association for Project Management (APM).
Evidence shows that while technical skills can be learned online or in a classroom, behavioural and leadership skills can be enhanced via mentoring. The eight-month programme allows qualified and experienced project practitioners to 'mentor-forward', imparting wisdom and providing guidance to less experienced project professionals with the aim of accelerating their performance and careers.
Chris Claydon, ECITB Chief Executive, said: “The ECITB is proud to support the Project Management Mentoring Programme as it celebrates its ninth year and it’s great to hear some of our mentees are now returning as mentors.
“It has proven to be highly rewarding for mentors and mentees and both sides learn a great deal, not just about the work they do, but also about themselves and their own ambitions.
“I am delighted that this year we have former mentees who see the programme as contributing to their development high-quality project managers for the industry returning to help others further their careers.”