The projects, on which this workshop is based, aimed broadly to investigate
mentoring as a means of providing careers advice to students at risk. The
schools involved were already working on models of mentoring practice prior
to funds for this series of pilots becoming available.
It is important to state at the outset that the pilot projects we will be
discussing are not the only programs that incorporate models of mentoring
across South Australia. The Pilot Projects that we have been working on were
funded through South AustraliaÕs Vocational Education Strategy 1997 -1999,
this program is more commonly known as ÔReady-Set-GoÕ.
'Ready, Set, Go' is. a plan which seeks to ensure that students are more work
ready (Ready); better planned for their career pathways (Set); and more work-wise
through increased involvement in work placements (Go). 'Ready, Set,
Go' is a coherent and integrated program that aims to equip students with a
set of skills, understandings and attributes that will enable them to better
manage their transition from school-to-work. The program also seeks to
increase the retention of post compulsory students through the provision of a
wider range of work related programs within the SACE. The government of
South Australia provided funding for this program as a means of adding to
funds provided to schools by ANTA and the ASTF to support VET in schools.
The Mentoring Pilots fit within the 'Ready' component of the Vocational
Education Strategy. It seeks to ensure that all students, especially those at risk
of leaving school early, are provided with opportunities that improve their
connection with education, enabling them to develop the competencies they
need to be involved in work placement. It incorporated mentoring as a
strategy that improves the retention and participation of students in
educational programs and projects.
