GAP (Graduate Aspiratrion Programme) GAP is an amazing one to one mentoring opportunity which matches university students, from under-represented backgrounds, with a mentor from the Civil Service who has an expertise in a particular professional area. The programme aims to build confidence, aspiration and support future career choices, as well as enhancing communication skills and building new networks.

GAP aims to provide students from less privileged backgrounds with access to a Civil Service professional who can provide a real-life knowledge and experience of a profession and help build soft skills like communication and networking.

Mentees are encouraged to talk about their career aspirations and any opportunities or barriers they feel may prevent them from achieving their goals. The role of the mentor is to offer guidance and advice, as well as helping to identify solutions to support mentees to achieve their potential.

GAP should only be considered by students who are able to commit fully to the programme. Mentors are giving up their own time and commitment to provide this support and it is essential that students do likewise.

To take part in the programme students must commit to:

 Investing their time to engage with the mentor; typically, one hour a month for 6 months via digital platforms.

· Actively participating in the scheme, imparting/receiving advice and considering opportunities to develop.

· Completing feedback / evaluation forms to allow us to make improvements that will benefit others in future.

· Notifying the programme organisers of any changes, e.g. contact details, programme participation.

· Mentees must complete a minimum of 5 out of the 6 sessions to receive their Certificate of Participation at the end of the programme.

Sessions will take place a minimum of once a month via MS Teams/phone call for a period of 6 months. A guidebook will be provided to assist with conversation starters and session pointers.

Students must come from lower socio-economic backgrounds (LSEB), an example may be that they received/were eligible for free school meals at any stage in their schooling, they receive a higher bursary, or their parents were unemployed or in routine/manual labour job roles. There will be questions in the application form that will determine this and students who don’t meet the criteria will be notified. Students who are eligible will be notified when they receive their match.

This programme is open to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students, there is no limitations on the degree they are studying.

Cohort 2 will last 6 months, and run from November 2023 to April 2024

Mentee applications will open 25th September and close midnight 27th October 2023. The Social Mobility Team will match mentees and mentors based on a list of professional areas of work. Students will be matched where possible to their highest choice, followed by 2nd choice and then 3rd. Students and mentors will be notified of their match in November 2023 and be expected to reach out to their mentor as soon as possible to book in a session for November.

Apply here: GAP Mentee Application Form

• GAP Mentee Information Session: 10th October 2023 13:00 - 13:30