As New Zealand’s Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) marks the induction of 93 mentees since its inception, and the industry training body is going from strength to strength.
TIME chairman Grant Bevin says the program brings the young people in the industry together with the most experienced.
“Our job is to help them get on the pathways. I think that’s why it’s grown through referrals, through the reputation, because people are really enjoying their experience as mentee and as mentor. It allows the trade to retain young people in the industry; our role is to really show them the pathways that are possible, and to help them develop their confidence.”
TIME is always looking for ways to keep mentorships up to date, and mentees continue to be mentored on a case-by-case basis to keep them engaged in the process, he adds. “A lot of them want to take up a menteeship for different reasons…so we’re always challenged to make sure we’re being innovative about what we’re able to mentor people with.”
The program is designed for those new to the industry as well as those who may have been in the industry a while but are looking to take the next step in their career. Bevin also noted the ‘high calibre’ of mentors who participate in the program.
. . . Updates
At the latest TIME graduation last night, it was announced that its Graduate Hub and Mentor Lounge are taking shape. This allows graduates and mentors to continue to benefit from TIME with further support, conversations and more.