Are you a student or job seeker with disability wanting some tips on the best way to develop your career path?

Are you looking to advance your opportunities with guidance from professionals in industry?

If you answered yes to these questions, then the Australian Network on Disability's PACE Mentoring Program could be the experience you're looking for.


About the program

PACE stands for Positive Action towards Career Engagement.

PACE Mentoring is a vibrant and dynamic program that offers job seekers with disability an opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a workplace setting, which can assist them in career planning and personal and professional development. The program recognises that job seekers with disability frequently find themselves with little or no work experience, and may not be fully aware of the skills and attributes they can offer an organisation, which can add to the difficulties they encounter as they try to enter their chosen career. PACE aims to assist mentees to become 'job-ready' by addressing some of these challenges.

Mentees and mentors generally meet approximately 6-8 times within the three-month period of the program, but this may vary depending on the goals of the mentee.

The main activity between mentors and mentees is communication. Participants will communicate about experiences, goals, plans, skills, and career and education pathways.

Activities may include:

  • Reviewing resume and cover letters
  • Mock interviews
  • Workplace site visits
  • Networking with other professionals
  • Discussing workplace adjustments
  • Building confidence

The program offers opportunities for mentoring across several Australian capital cities, including Melbourne.

Successful applicants will be matched with mentors based on their identified development goals. Mentors may be from participating organisations such as ANZ, Cummins South Pacific, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Legal Aid and QBE.

Participation is free thanks to sponsorship by ANZ and IBM.


Applications

Mentee applications are open year round as the program offers two intakes a year. In 2016 they are April to July and September to December.

To be matched with a mentor for the April to July 2016 program, apply by 31 March at the latest to ensure consideration.

Visit the PACE Mentoring Program website to find out more and apply as a mentee.

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