Become a Mentor
Square Food Foundation (SFF) is thrilled to offer the opportunity to become a mentor, as part of the expansion of our vocational cooking BTEC programme, How To Be A Chef (HTBAC).
HTBAC provides young people, aged 16-25, with skills for employability and opportunities to progress to catering-related learning or employment.
Thanks to funding from The Linbury Trust, SFF is developing a formalised mentorship scheme for all HTBAC students. The scheme aims to provide ongoing mentorship throughout the course and beyond, to enhancing students' career opportunities and support long-term employment success.
We are seeking enthusiastic people to mentor and support our exceptional HTBAC students throughout their course and, crucially, to provide continued guidance and support after they graduate from the programme.
Expectations of a mentor
When you become a mentor, it is expected that you will:
Commit to engaging with the HTBAC programme and attend mentoring meetings with your SFF student.
Feedback to SFF based on your experiences, for the purpose of evaluation and future development.
Commit to four volunteering days in the SFF kitchen per year.
Commit to 2-4 meetings between the mentor, and the HTBAC student per year. The format of the meeting can be decided between the mentor and student, whether they take place online, over the phone or in person.
Eligibility of mentors
To become a mentor, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Mentors of the How To Be A Chef programme must be committed to the values of SFF. Mentors will be expected to adhere to SFF’s Safer Spaces and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies.
Mentors will be expected to participate in training sessions designed to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges our students may encounter. This training will equip mentors with the necessary knowledge and skills to offer effective support and guidance.
We welcome mentor applications from all sectors and across all career stages.
HTBAC students will be asked about their mentor preferences and will be matched with a mentor by the SFF programme coordinator.
Undergo a DBS check through SFF. Existing DBS checks are not acceptable.
Student and mentor matching process
The mentor matching process will begin after the HTBAC students are recruited. We will then take the following steps to find and allocate mentors:
A call-out for mentors will go out to the SFF community and organisational stakeholders. The mentors complete on online application form where they outline their expertise and explain why they want to become a mentor.
The HTBAC programme coordinator will review the applications and match mentors with students.
A no-commitment introductory meeting between the HTBAC student and mentor, facilitated by the HTBAC programme coordinator, will take place. SFF are committed to making sure our students feel well-matched with their mentor. Following this initial meeting, a final decision will be made on the pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to learn more about this exciting opportunity to become a mentor, please read these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do I have to have mentored before?
No previous mentoring experience is required. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and will support you to be well-prepared for the role.
How much time do I need to commit to?
We ask mentors to commit to approximately 2-4 meetings per year, with their mentee. This can include meetings, phone calls, or other forms of communication.
What support will SFF provide if I become a mentor?
SFF will provide comprehensive support, resources and ongoing guidance throughout the mentorship. You’ll also have access to a community of fellow mentors for additional support and networking opportunities.
Do I have to be in the food and hospitality sector?
No, you don’t. We welcome mentors from all professional backgrounds. While experience in the food and hospitality sector can be beneficial, diverse perspectives from various industries can offer valuable insights and support to our students.
How long will the mentoring last for?
Initially, the relationship will focus on supporting students’ post-graduation to enable their transition into the workforce. However, our hopes are that the mentorship lasts for the duration of the student’s career.
Are there any set objectives for the Student-Mentor partnership?
Early research indicates the following objectives could help guide the mentoring process, but we remain open to this developing at the rate that best suits the mentor and student:
Personalised support: One to one, tailored guidance to individual needs and goals.
Skill development: Enhance relevant cooking and hospitality competencies for growth.
Goal setting: Support students to set clear, achievable career objectives.
Career guidance: Provide insights for navigating career paths.
Networking: Facilitate connections with food and hospitality professionals, beyond the initial Square Food Foundation connections.
Confidence boost: Encourage self-assurance and resilience.
Feedback and reflection: Offer constructive feedback and encouragement.
Accountability: Ensure commitment to goals and progress.
Empowerment: Foster independence in personal development.
Continued support: Provide ongoing mentorship for sustained success.
Apply to become a mentor
We hope that you feel inspired by the opportunity to become a mentor and play a significant role in the professional development of our young chefs.
The deadline to be considered in the upcoming cohort of HTBAC mentors is Wednesday 11th September. If you are applying after this time your application will be considered for the February 2025 HTBAC cohort.
If you are applying for the September 2024 cohort, we will update you on the status of your application by the end of October.
Please apply by following this link to the application form: How To Be A Chef - Mentor Application, as well as sending your CV or LinkedIn profile to jenny@squarefoodfoundation.co.uk.