Following on from NAWIC’s successful Mentoring Program 2023 in NSW we are pleased to announce that the NAWIC NSW 2024 Mentoring Program has officially launched and applications are now open for both Mentees and Mentors.
This year we have a new facilitator Teagan Dowler from THE BCW who has been successfully delivering our Victorian NAWIC Mentor Program (www.thebcw.com.au) The program is once again being generously supported by Laing O'Rourke for the 6th year
About the Program
Running for over 11 years, the program offers individual matches for mentors and mentees based on age, experience and goals rather than similar construction profession. The focus of each mentor/mentee relationship is on personal and professional development rather than technical knowledge.
Anyone is eligible to join the program as a mentor, male or female, provided they have at least five years' experience in the construction industry.
Mentees must be female NAWIC members of all ages, experience and tenure in the construction industry.
Mentors and mentees come from all aspects of the construction industry and all locations across NSW.
Generally, a mentoring partnership will last between 9-12 months with about 1-2 hours of face-to-face/online (i.e Zoom or Teams) meetings each month although this is up to the individual mentors and mentees to agree what works best for them.
The program is supplemented with two events launch (February) and close out (November) throughout the year where the program participants can expend their networks, learn from one another and benefit from facilitated workshops. Guest speakers are also a feature of the events on topics such as networking and difficult conversations. BCW will also offer up to three online coaching pods from including ‘Communication and Feedback. Constructive Conflict and Courage and Change’.
Should you have any queries or need any assistance to complete your application please contact the NAWIC NSW Mentor Committee on [email protected].
Applying as a Mentee
Our program operates thanks to volunteers who share their time and experience. For this reason, NAWIC expects a high level of commitment from mentees throughout the year.
We aim to accept circa 40-60 mentee applications, based on the selection process outlined below*
Selection criteria:
- Only detailed and complete applications will be considered, the more detail and specific you can include on your application the better we can select a mentor specifically for your needs,
- Timing of all applications is imperative, and we operate based on earlier application given the first priority - the first 45 fully complete applications are guaranteed a spot.
- Previous applicants who were not accommodated in the previous year are also considered a priority.
Unfortunately we will also not be able to accommodate repeat applicants. However, if it has been 3 years or more (prior to 2020) since you last participated in the NAWIC mentoring program as a mentee, then we will consider your application, subject to the above criteria and availability.
To apply as a mentee please email a completed Mentee Application, and a copy of your resume to email.
The cost of the participation in the Mentoring Program 2024 is $200.00 for Mentees and $150.00 for Student Mentees only (there is no cost for Mentors to participate).
Included in this fee are tickets to attend the 2 NAWIC Mentor / Mentee events during the course of the year which include professional mentor coaching and networking opportunities.
• Goal Setting workshop compulsory for Mentees but not mentors
• Up to 3 online workshops throughout the course of the year
Some quotes from previous Mentees are:
• ‘Thank you for giving me or showing me the light when I was stuck in dark tunnel.”
• “I have been able to see things from a new perspective and understand the construction industry as a whole and how I can contribute as a woman much clearer. It has been very valuable to be able to confide in someone outside of my company who is a woman in the same industry to seek advice/ inspiration from.”
• “My mentor helped me get on to a better career path, as well as learning to navigate my way to become a middle manager early on in my career.”
• “I’ve really appreciated having an ongoing relationship with my Mentor, and having someone to still call for advice and bounce ideas off. I feel I was very well suited to my mentor.”
NOTE: Mentor Program Fee of $200 is refunded if we are unable to match with a suitable mentor.
REGISTER HERE
Applying as a Mentor
NAWIC truly appreciates that the quality of our mentoring program relies upon the quality of our volunteer Mentors. Whether you are a first-time mentor or have many years of experience, we are able to offer the support of a structured program providing guidance and encouragement throughout the year.
Anyone with at least five years’ experience in the construction industry, male or female, is eligible to mentor. We are always looking for strong mentors, so please do spread the word amongst your peers and colleagues.
NAWIC can offer our volunteer Mentors the following benefits:
- Invitation to our Mentoring and Coaching Development Workshop to learn the skills needed to be a good mentor. This workshop will be delivered by our professional mentor coach, Teagan Dowler
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- A support pack to work through with your mentee
The feedback from our mentors shows the value they receive:
“I often feel guilty that mentors get to take part in the program for free, I feel like I learn just as much if not more than my mentee!”
“The NAWIC mentoring programme is incredibly well organised allowing mentors and mentees alike to reach their potential through mutual experience. The structured nature of the programme has allowed me to be invested in the success of my mentee as well as cultivating my own communication and leadership skills”
“As a male mentor, it’s been so valuable to hear and really understand the challenges that women are really facing in the industry. As a leader, I’ve taken these insights back to my leadership team to help my own organisation be better and stronger with our diversity strategies.”
“I’ve been acting as a mentor for nearly 20 years and the program that NAWIC runs has been the first time I’ve had real training on what is means to be a mentor versus a coach.”
To apply as a Mentor please email a completed Mentor Application Form and a copy of your resume to this email.
KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
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Activity |
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18th December 2023
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Applications open for Mentors and Mentees
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29th January 2024
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Applications Close
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Early February 2024
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Successful Applicants notified of further program details
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13th February 2024
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Mentoring and Coaching Development Workshop for Mentors Only (online)
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15th February 2024
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Program Launch for Mentors and Mentees at Laing O'Rourke Offices North Sydney
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20th February 2024
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Mentee Workshop (online)
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| Mid July 2024 |
Mentor Check-in and Mentee Knowledge Share (online) |
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Mid November 2024
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Let’s Celebrate! Wrap-up and Program Conclusion
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*Dates subject to finalisation
Teagan Dowler
Founder and Director of The BCW
Teagan holds a Masters in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), both from The University of Melbourne. Along with over 18 years working in heavy industry, she combines these experiences to develop and design practical, evidence-based solutions.
Teagan has delivered 1,200+ hours of one-on-one coaching and has worked with 600+ leaders through workshops, coaching and consulting services. She is the author of Rules of the Game: Women in the Masculine Industries, which provides recommendations from her own experience and those of over 50 women and men to achieve success in traditionally masculine industries.
Teagan is also the 2023 Winner of the Women in Industry Mentor of the Year and the 2020 Winner Australian Mining Prospect Awards for her Contribution to Mining.
As a leader in the area of diversity, inclusion and leadership, Teagan is regularly asked to comment on industry developments. She has been quoted in The Australian House of Representatives, featured in a range of magazines (including OK! Magazine, The Collective, CLEO) and interviewed on live breakfast radio for 4BC Brisbane and ABC Radio Gippsland.
Along with her professional endeavours Teagan is proud to be a co-founder of the not-for-profit Diversity Practitioners Association in Australia. The DPA’s mission is to provide support for individuals, practitioners and organisations actively seeking to build and sustain diverse and inclusive organisations. She was also Ministerial Committee Member for 8 years of The School for Student Leadership in Victoria.
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The 2024 Mentoring Program is proudly sponsored by:
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