Volunteer Mentor Review

As part of my role I had a group of 10 students who I worked with throughout the year providing 1-1 sessions each week to work on their academic ability as well as behaviour. I during the week whilst not mentoring I provided in class support, help during break and lunch times and helped attendance team in the morning. We also hosted a variety of clubs in the morning, during lunch and after school.

I have gained so many skills from my time at City year. I really struggled with my confidence and this is one of the key reasons I chose to do this placement. I can now say that I’m so much more confidence now than I was at the beginning because of the experience I’ve had at city year and the learning development days we had every Friday to work on these key skills.

This placement does come with a lot of responsibility as you’re responsible for getting yourself to e school you’re based at each morning on time and ready. You’re also given the responsibility to know and support your students but with the understanding of it in the wider school context. In addition as a mentor you are given part responsibility for progress of the students you mentor and work with throughout the year.

City Year provides a lot of support and guidance during placement. When working in school you are not alone, you are part of a team of other volunteer mentors working individually but together to achieve the same goal. As part of this each team is supported by an Impact Officer (manager) who you can go to with any problems or concerns you’re having. They’re there to help, support and guide you.

The company culture is very supportive and fun. Throughout the year there a series of activities for you to get involved with.City year is very inclusive and diverse, we had a lot of activities around culture, diversity and gender which were very informative and engaging. We organised social action projects to support any charity of our choice or get involved in local community initiatives. You also get school holidays off which is bonus

I really enjoyed my placement year, I’ve learnt a lot and gained a lot. There were some difficult times as with all placements but what you get out is what you put in and I’ve gotten a lot out of this placement in terms of my skill development and personal development that will be hugely beneficial to me going forward.

Yes

Make sure you’re ready to put in the time commitment required as you will be working in a professional environment. Seize every opportunity you’re given during your time at city year, you will be glad you did in the end.