Career Navigator Mentoring
One conversation can change a young persons direction.
Through Career Navigator, industry professionals support rangatahi to explore potential career pathways, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their future. Mentors play a vital role in strengthening personal development and bringing real-world perspective to the skills students are developing through workshops and shared experiences — helping them transition successfully from school into further education or employment.
Career Navigator is designed to provide young people with the work-ready skills and confidence they need to transition successfully from school into higher education and/or employment.
What You’ll Actually Do
Before you begin, you’ll attend a short mentor induction session where we walk you through the programme, expectations, and practical tips for supporting a young person. You won’t be left to figure it out alone, our team is there to guide you.
From there, you’ll be thoughtfully paired with a student whose interests align with your background and experience.
As a mentor, you will:
- Meet with your mentee for approximately one hour per week during the programme
- Share your career journey, including lessons learned along the way
- Help them explore study and employment options
- Answer questions about “real life” work and what different pathways look like
- Be a sounding board – offering guidance, perspective and encouragement
It’s structured, supported and low commitment, but the impact can be significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of experience do I need?
You don’t need to be a CEO or senior executive. If you’ve worked in the job market and can share real-world insight into your career journey, you have something valuable to offer. We welcome professionals from all industries and at all stages of their careers.
Do I need previous mentoring experience?
No. We provide a mentor induction session before you begin, along with ongoing support from our team throughout the programme.
How much time is involved?
Approximately one hour per week/ fortnight during the programme, plus a short induction session at the start.
What if I’m nervous or unsure?
That’s completely normal. Most mentors feel this way at first. We provide guidance, structure and support and many mentors tell us they gain just as much from the experience as their mentee does.
Is this available in my region?
Career Navigator operates in Auckland and Waikato. Register your interest and our team will let you know about opportunities near you.
Interested in supporting young people on their career journeys?
Fill out the form below and register your interest!
If you’re interested, you can download our Mentor Declaration Form – here
Cate's Career Navigator Story
I joined Career Navigator at the beginning of Year 13. At the start of the programme, I was real nervous, I was struggling with depression and anxiety and it was getting in the way of life in general but something changed halfway through the programme...
Read Cate's Story
Paige's Career Navigator Story
Paige reflects on her experience in Career Navigator and the success she's had since taking part. "Looking back, I am so grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by the Graeme Dingle Foundation."
Read Paige's Story
