Matching experience with potential: the value of mentoring
We need all the talents in our society involved if we are going to tackle a challenge as big as achieving net zero.
ReWiRE’s mentoring programme supports women in the clean energy industry to enhance their potential through career choices and working practices, develop their strategic and financial acumen, and build their professional networks and profile. It matches the experience of one person with the potential of another, building personal and strong bonds with senior women and men across the sector.
This initiative feeds into ReWiRE’s wider objectives to increase the visibility and profile of women working in the clean energy sector, and to support network participants to develop the skills to enable them to take positions on boards and in senior management across the sector.
The programme pairs up women from across the clean energy industry with a mentor, matching the experience of one with the potential of another. It is heartening to see the positive difference being made in women's careers over the course of the 12 month programme, with mentees telling us that the programme has helped them to:
- Expand their network: 73% said the scheme has helped increase their industry contacts
- Raise their profile: 82% said they have seized at least one or more new opportunities since joining the programme
- Enhance their career potential: 75% said the scheme has helped increase their confidence and skills to rise into more senior roles.
How does the programme work?
The process begins with a match-making event where prospective mentors and mentees are able to meet during a 'speed-dating' style session. Every intake, we are joined by talented individuals from across power, heat and transport, and participants have told us how inspiring this first session alone is as an opportunity to connect with dedicated women with diverse experiences from across the sector.
After the initial matching, we touch-base with mentors and mentees throughout the process and provide ongoing support, including leadership skills training for mentors to help them communicate effectively through active listening. Many of our mentors have found the process to be one of reciprocal development; the overwhelming feedback has been that they get as much value out of the experience as the mentees, with fresh perspectives and insights into new areas of the industry.
In addition to supporting individual women progress their careers and seize new opportunities, the mentoring initiative feeds into ReWiRE's wider vision of a clean energy sector with women at the heart and gender diversity a priority at all levels. By supporting our mentees to develop the skills and confidence to rise into more senior roles, we hope to see a difference being made across senior management and board positions, helping to drive sector-wide change that will make for a more resilient and innovative industry.
