What does PACE stand for?
PACE stands for Positive Action towards Career Engagement.
How much time will it take up?
The PACE Mentoring Program goes for four months , during which recommend you meet with your mentor 6-8 times. You negotiate this and the number of meetings may depend on your goals. Meetings typically go for 1-2 hours, and are held during ordinary business hours (9am to 5pm).
What do mentors and mentees do together?
Your main activity will be conversation. You will talk about your experiences, goals, plans, skills, and career and education pathways. Other activities may include:
- reviewing resume and cover letters
- doing mock interviews
- visiting worksites
- networking with other professionals
- discussing workplace adjustments
- building confidence.
How should mentors and mentees communicate?
You and your mentor will work out how best to arrange meeting and communicate with each other. This will happen at your first meeting. We recommend that most of the sessions happen at the mentor’s workplace.
Who should manage the relationship?
Once we’ve matched you with a mentor, you should make the initial contact. At the first meeting you will agree the meeting dates, times and goals for the program. You will be responsible for recording all the actions and outcomes after each meeting and monitoring your progress.
How do I ensure the mentoring is successful?
To get the most out of it:
- set realistic and measurable goals
- maximise the time available
- be honest with your mentor
- have mutual respect
- set clear expectations and have open communication.
How do I know if I am eligible?
To participate you must be at least 18 years old and have a disability. We expected you to commit to developing your skills and experience to support yourself as you set out into the workforce.\
You’ll need to give us any relevant information about your disability and any workplace adjustments or modifications that you may need during the program.
If you need an adjustment that has a cost (e.g. an Auslan interpreter), your mentor’s organisation will pay for this.
When should I apply to be a mentee?
The matching process takes place in early March and early August each year. It is recommended that you apply just before those months, however, you can apply at any time and your application will be kept on file until the next available program.
Who should I direct any problems I encounter to?
If you have any issues or problems during the mentoring program, contact the PACE program team.