One hundred mentors needed after record number of teens sign up for scheme - The Jewish Chronicle

A record 500 students have signed up for a mentoring scheme run by ORT UK. This is a 25 per cent increase from those who signed up in 2024.

The annual ORT JUMP Mentoring Programme pairs students at 14 Jewish and mainstream schools in London and Manchester with a mentor, who provides one to one career guidance.

The programme has proved so popular that the organisation is now looking for 100 more mentors, particularly in the fields of psychology, finance, medicine, engineering and law. They would also welcome interest from people working in journalism, fashion and TV, among other professions.

Anna Black, the programme’s manager, said: "We have been inundated with applications for the ORT JUMP Mentoring Programme this year, which is incredibly exciting. Our mentors find the experience extremely rewarding and return year after year, but now we need to add new mentors to the pool to keep up with demand.”

Mentor Paul Samuels with mentee Jodie Bluston at the ORT JUMP Mentoring Programme graduation (Photo: ORT UK)[Missing Credit]

“We would love to hear from professionals who could spare a few hours to pass on their wisdom and expertise to a Year 12 student. Mentoring really helps young people grow in confidence, knowledge and skills as they begin to lay the foundations for their future career path.”

The mentorship has not only expanded my knowledge but has also deepened my passion for becoming a doctor

Mentors are expected to meet their mentees for four one-hour sessions over the course of the academic year. Together, they will discuss career paths into their industry, offer insights into the profession, identify key skills required by employers and give guidance on CV-writing, LinkedIn profiles and applications. Full training will be provided to mentors by ORT UK.

ORT JUMP Mentor Renata Siepe with her mentee (Photo: ORT UK)[Missing Credit]

Sara Shipman, who was a mentor with ORT UK and whose son also took part as a mentee, said: "My son's mentor was incredibly helpful. He introduced him to the property business which really sparked his interest. He encouraged him to write a detailed CV and challenged him to think outside the box and set his goals high.

“My own mentee had no idea of what she wanted to do after school. However, I discovered she had a love of live music, so together we found some ideal university music-management courses which she's now eager to pursue. Thanks to ORT JUMP, both my son and mentee are feeling informed, confident and excited about their future career paths. "

A JCoSS student who was mentored through the programme said afterwards: “Beyond the practical advice, what I’ve appreciated most about this program is the encouragement and support my mentor has offered. He has made me feel more confident in my decision to pursue medicine, and more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

"This mentorship has not only expanded my knowledge but has also deepened my passion for becoming a doctor…I feel much more equipped and motivated as I continue working toward my future in medicine.”

Anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor, should email:

jumpmentoring@ortuk.org

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Topics:

ORT UK

ORT UK Mentoring Programme

ORT JUMP