Mentoring our young chefs
Supporting young people through transitions
Having a mentor can play an influential role, particularly for people at transition points in their lives. This is the case for the young people on our How To Be A Chef (HTBAC) course. The course is designed to support people aged between 16-25 who are not in education, full-time employment or training.
The course equips the students with practical cookery skills and knowledge. As well as this, an important element of the programme is supporting the students goals and ambitions for the end of the course. This is where the mentor’s role is particularly important.
Mentorship provides guidance and research highlights that this can play an important role in supporting young people. Positive outcomes of mentoring can include*:
Increase in skill level
Increase in qualifications
Greater engagement in learning
More effective job searching
Improved adaptability to different work environments
Increased awareness of potential, needs and aspirations
These positive outcomes are exactly what the How To Be A Chef course is about, which is why the mentoring programme is such an important element of the course.
How does the mentor programme work?
The application
Anyone who is excited at the opportunity to become a mentor needs to complete the application form so we can learn more about you and why you’re keen to support our young people. Applications will be received before the course begins.
Getting to know the students
Once the course starts, we take time to get to know the students so we can understand their needs, personality and what kind of support and person they will be best matched with.
Mentor-matching
Mid-way through the course we will begin the mentor-matching process. This involves reviewing the students’ personalities, needs and preferences alongside the mentor applications and then seeing what relationships we think have the best potential.
Mentor onboarding
All mentors who are selected during the matching process, will be invited to mentor training at the Square Food kitchen, before they are introduced to their mentee. This will include safeguarding training and we will also ask you to complete a DBS check.
Mentor-mentee introductions
We will arrange an introductory meeting between mentor and mentee at the Square Food kitchen. This will be an opportunity for both parties to make sure they feel comfortable with the potential relationship. The meeting will be informal and a chance for the pair to get to know each other while getting stuck into baking shortbread, scones, or something else delicious of their choice!
If everyone is comfortable with the relationship, one more meeting will be arranged by Square Food where the pair can exchange contact details and arrange meetings independently of Square Food in the future.
Mentor-mentee independence
You are now free to meet up at a time and location that suits you both. You will have agreed roughly how often you will meet up, whether this be once a month or every six weeks. It is likely that you will have some message contact in between this time too. These meetings will vary depending on the individual but you may talk about their goals and how they can achieve them. Crucially, mentors offer a new and experienced perspective for these young students to lean on. Through regular communication and meetings you will build trust with your mentee, strengthening the impact and potential of the relationship.
Are you ready to become a mentor?
This is an exciting opportunity, and responsibility, to have a long-term impact on a young person’s future.
Mentor, the National Mentoring Partnership highlights the vital impact a mentor can have:
Youth with a mentor are:
92% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities
75% more likely to have held a leadership position in a club or sports team
22% more likely to have experienced a strong sense of belonging while growing up
As a mentor, your key role is to grow your mentees confidence and belief in their abilities. This increased sense of self will support them in so many ways. If you have the passion and commitment needed to become a mentor we would love to hear from you. Read on to learn about the expectations and eligibility criteria to become a mentor.
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 regular, ongoing meetings with your mentee. 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 How To Be A Chef team.
Undergo a DBS check through SFF. Existing DBS checks are not acceptable.
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 regular meetings with their mentee. This will vary on the individual but could be once a month or once every 2 months. It is likely that some brief communication - via message or email - may be required in between these meetings.
What support will SFF provide if I become a mentor?
SFF will provide a Mentor Handbook, access to a Whatsapp group, quarterly meet ups with other mentors, and regular check ins. You can also reach out to the Programme Manager and How To Be A Chef team at any time to check in.
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 Mentee-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 development of our young students.
The next application process will open in mid-March. If you would like be notified of the application process beginning please email the Programme Manager, Jenny: jenny@squarefoodfoundation.co.uk
