ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on one mechanism which has proved to be a success in university work-based qualifications, mentoring. It explains what mentoring in the workplace can be, what needs to be done to put a scheme in place, and how to operate it, with a useful insight into what problems to avoid. The workplace provides a rich learning environment, whether it is new staff induction to the workplace or the acquisition of new knowledge and skills by existing employees for career promotion purposes in response to organisational change. As employers and universities increasingly recognise the learning opportunities generated by the workplace, this chapter seeks to provide an overview of the use of mentoring to support successful employee development, by suggesting practical ways in which mentoring can be applied and developed. A formal scheme provides an infrastructure that should support this ethos, by offering the mentors the tools, techniques and opportunities to undertake mentoring activity in a supportive and challenging manner.
