The Scottish Wholesale Association is inviting applications from prospective mentees and mentors for its new Mentoring Programme which aims to improve skills and nurture emerging talent within the Scottish wholesale industry. Structured around the needs of the business, the programme will happen within the workplace and has been designed to allow individuals to realise their own capabilities and potential.
SWA President George Benson explained: What we want to do is identify talent and retain that talent within our industry. Investing in our people builds trust and helps achieve better results, and we need the right people with the right attitude and the right skills to create a truly world-class industry in order to remain ahead of the game. The return on investment for wholesalers will also be evident as they see their managers develop and grow.
Employees, endorsed by their manager, must apply to be considered for the programme with acceptance based on evidence of relevant experience and achievements with the industry. The SWA is also asking applicants to provide a supporting statement as to why they believe they meet the criteria of emerging talent. Mentoring will cover a 12-month period after which candidates will have the opportunity of starting to work towards a professional qualification via the SWAs Training Programme.
Meanwhile, the application process for prospective mentors is also under way. Mentors from within and outside the wholesale industry will be selected after providing evidence of their relevant experience and achievements within their industry/areas of expertise. All prospective mentors will be interviewed by the SWA Board of Trustees and will be required to undertake specific training for the role.
Any prospective mentee interested in participating should speak to their manager then submit an application form to the SWA. Senior industry figures interested in becoming a mentor should contact George Benson, via SWA Executive Director Kate Salmon on 0131 556 8753 or kate.swa@btconnect.com.
Application forms and further information can be found on the SWA website at: www.scottishwholesale.co.uk.
