Mentors

Mentors are people on loan from business and education who play a key role in modeling the philosophy of ABW. Mentors enable young people to learn about business through assisting them to run their own simulated company. While students may initially feel overwhelmed by this task, and many feel that they have been 'thrown in at the deep end', they are not quite as abandoned as they may feel. The student's understanding of business is ideally facilitated through the support of both a teacher and business mentor for each team. The program is demanding but highly structured in that students work through eight quarters of business decisions.

Students' learning is supported by a comprehensive manual and through lectures covering the key elements of operations, marketing and finance. Mentors who have been through the program praise its ability to give young people a practical experience of the world beyond the classroom. The experience, however, is not one sided. Mentors find the program stimulating and a real opportunity to hone their skills as managers and/or teachers. Added benefits include networking with other mentors and, for business mentors, the opportunity to work with students as potential future employees.

Gerry Murphy from Allianz Insurance said "This program delivers a hearty slice of real life in a concentrated dose".

Fred Gammie from Coca-Cola Amatil said, "Mentors get as much out of the program as the students".

Lino Pagano, Keilor Downs Secondary College, Victoria said "I have gained a greater awareness of student abilities not usually seen in the classroom."

If you are interested in being a mentor, or believe that your school or company may be interested and you would like some further information, please contact ABW or fill out an enquiry form