The Canterbury Tech Career-start mentor programme for 2021 is about to start and is to support people looking for their first tech job in Canterbury. Mentees need to have necessary tech skills to work in the Canterbury technical sector.

NOTE: we are limiting this programme to 19 mentees but we are currently allowing more than 19 mentees to apply. We will be issuing refunds if your application is not accepted.

Canterbury Tech wants to grow world-class talent for our local Tech Sector. Many successful people credit one or more mentors who made a big impact in helping them achieve early success.

To apply as a mentee for the Career-start Programme, you could be a student at Uni or other tertiary college, you could be an international immigrant, someone emerging from a mid career change, you could be a self-taught developer or a tech-literate professional wanting to transition more fully into the tech industry. We all know how hard it is to get that first job before you have experience and before you have a network of professional support.

To apply as a mentor you will need to have empathy for people finding their first job. For example, if you work in tech and are not a native New Zealander and have experience adapting to the NZ tech culture, we would love to have you.

This mentor programme, back by popular demand, is based on the 2019 Canterbury Tech Winter Mentor programme set up by Roger Nesbitt. The mentor programme last year was sold out.

The application period is open from 1st to 30th April and attendance at the Meet and Greet 5:15PM 3 May is mandatory. Mentors from Programme 1 are welcome to apply for this programme as dates interleave.

Contact us at MentorProgramme@canterburytech.nz if you have questions

The 2021 Canterbury Tech Mentor programme is a 12-week mentor matching programme, comprising six fortnightly mentoring sessions across the winter season, June to September. It is run by volunteers who commit to approximately two hours every two weeks including preparation for mentors and actions for the mentees.

The programme has spaces for matched pairs of up to 18 mentors and 18 mentees. Mentors apply by obtaining a ticket here at no cost. Mentees can apply by buying a ticket here for $25 incl GST. We hope to place all applicants but if your mentee application is unsuccessful, we will give you a refund. Participation in the Meet and Greet event is a requirement.

This programme is NOT designed to find the mentee a job, the mentor is not acting as a recruiter, it is to give the mentee the professional advice based on experience to support them to find their job for themselves. Mentor notes will step you through the process

Full details can be found here:
https://canterburytech.nz/about/mentor-programme/

FEEDBACK FROM our 2019 PARTICIPANTS

As a mentor:

“All my expectations were met and in some cases, they have been exceeded."

"I really felt like I helped my mentee with their goals, made progress and gained a friend!"

"It was fantastic to give back to someone and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. :)”

“It was a great learning experience and I think we both got some awesome leanings out of this experience and will keep in touch for sure."

"I would totally recommend it to anyone next year and also put my hand up for it again.”

“I feel like both mentors and mentees get a lot of insight. It's mutually beneficial, and seeing the positive change is rewarding.”

As a mentee:

“I was looking to review and plan my career path. It was great to have a look at myself from a different perspective and from someone who is much more experienced in the industry. I think I really benefited a lot and will continue to keep in touch with the mentor.”

“Its a fantastic experience and something I never thought would be available for free. Christchurch has something special going on in the tech scene and continues to surprise above expectations!”

“I think it was incredibly worthwhile. It was challenging and I learnt a lot.”

“I never thought about having a mentor, I always heard about it, but this was the first time, I got the chance to actually participate in it. I came with no expectations, however, I gained so much.”