Finding work as someone who’s been unemployed for a long time can be tough, a mentor providing advice and guidance can make all the difference.  At Barclays in France, a network of managers is doing just that as part of the Cap Parrainage project.

To support people in their job search, each mentor volunteers for at least two hours every month.  They spend their time sharing job seeking ideas, CV writing and practicing interview technique.

Barclays joined the programme in 2003.  Now 13 colleagues are involved and mentor long term job seekers all year round.

It’s a real community activity as all the job seekers come from the local area.   Cap Parrainage requires all mentoring meetings to take place in the mentor’s workplace.  This encourages the participants to keep in touch with the company; not having regular access to this type of environment can be a real barrier to returning to work.

Quite often, the only place for a job seeker looking for support is the job centre. This project opens up a new support system, allowing people to meet with business professionals, who can give them practical information and guidance. The trust and professionalism that managers share is so valuable.

The lives of the job seekers continue to be enriched as they are continually bolstered by their mentor’s support; for the mentors themselves it is a chance to use their skills from the workplace in a different way, with people that can really benefit.

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