Training

Tasks of training

One of the primary tasks of mentoring program training is to prepare applicants for the roles they are about to take on. Training helps to ensure successful matches by developing the needed skills and knowledge, by creating a common understanding of participants' roles, and by setting up realistic expectations for the mentoring relationship.

But training is not only an opportunity for education and clarification: training is also another screening opportunity. It is a chance for program staff to see applicants in another setting and to gauge whether they have the qualities that make them suitable for the program. Because training is another step in the screening process, applicants should complete training before program staff make the decision to accept.

The trainees

Quality mentoring programs need to train not only mentors for their volunteer duties - they also must provide all other program participants with the knowledge and skills they require in their roles. Mentees require training, as do parents who will play a role in the matches. If the matches involve other parties, such as teachers in a school based mentoring program, they too should receive the instruction they require to contribute to the matches' success.

Training topics

Have a look at some of the subjects that mentoring program training should cover to prepare mentoring program participants:

• Roles and responsibilities
• Rules
• Values
• Skills development
• Developmental issues
• Relationship management
• Special needs
• Child safety
• Supports
• Real life examples

If you are looking for examples of other organizations' training materials, search the Mentoring Canada online library.

Training format

Training can be done individually or in a group. Group training has the additional benefit of demonstrating how the applicant interacts with others. It also allows the trainee to benefit from the ideas and experiences of the other trainees.

Qualified program staff, who can present information and answer questions based on experience should conduct mentoring program training.

The amount of training is dependent upon the requirements of your program. However, research (Herrara, Sipe and McClanahan, 2000) seems to indicate that more is better. Those mentors who attended less than two hours of training reported the lowest levels of relationship quality, whereas those who attended six or more hours reported having the strongest relationships with youth.

While all mentoring program participants need training before being matched, quality mentoring programs should also assess match participants' ongoing learning needs, and offer training sessions as necessary. For instance, optional training sessions could be held for mentors to help them deal with issues like teen alcohol and drug use, domestic violence, or children's behavior problems; training for mentees could be offered on developing self-esteem, anger management or making healthy life choices.

Now that the program applicant has been screened and trained, it's time to make a decision to accept or not accept. Have a look at what to consider in making the decision.

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