Connect your students with the world of work
Through Mentoring Works, we match Islington students with volunteer mentors from leading businesses, opening doors to careers they might never have imagined. We manage everything, from recruitment and safeguarding to measuring progress.
Register your interestMentoring Works
A trusted adult from the world of work
Mentoring Works matches students in Year 10, sixth form and college with a volunteer mentor from one of our business partners. Every fortnight, students travel to their mentor’s workplace to build the confidence, skills and knowledge they need for their next steps, from presenting and interview practice to exploring careers and university options.
Running since 1996, the programme has connected over 7,000 students with business mentors and holds the Approved Provider Standard from the Mentoring & Befriending Foundation.
WhoYear 10, sixth form and college students
WhenFortnightly, typically between November to June
WhereAt the mentor’s workplace
Places depend on matching your school with a business partner whose volunteers can mentor your students, so we can’t guarantee every school a place each year.
102
Islington students mentored by 87 business volunteers in 2025–26
92%
Places depend on matching your school with a business partner whose volunteers can mentor your students, so we can’t guarantee every school a place each year.
Why schools work with us
We do the organising
We work with your school coordinator and handle recruitment, matching and logistics end to end.
Safeguarding comes first
Mentors are DBS checked and trained, with ongoing safeguarding guidance from our team.
We measure progress
We use the Skills Builder framework, so you can see how your students’ skills develop.
It supports your careers programme
Regular encounters with employers help you meet the Gatsby Benchmarks.
Looking for other careers activities?
Our sister organisation ELBA’s education team runs a wider programme for schools, colleges and universities, connecting students with professionals from the City and Canary Wharf.
Visit ELBA Education WorksCareer Insight Visits
Mock Interviews
Enterprise Days
CV and LinkedIn reviews
Cross-school events
University support