ALIA mentoring

Mentoring is widely-recognised as a planned pairing of a more-experienced person with a lesser-skilled individual for the purpose of achieving mutually agreed-upon outcomes. It is a partnership in which both individuals share in the growth and personal development of one another.

ALIA Branches embarked on developing facilitated mentoring programs in the early 1990s. The programs continue to be seen as a way of providing mentees with a source of continuing education and training, and continuing the socialisation process which for newcomers to the profession commenced with their qualifying course.

Who needs a mentor?

Anyone who could use:

• help during a transition
• a guide in a new field
• a counsellor to encourage self-exploration
• a coach to share goals
• a role-model to demonstrate desirable behaviours and attitudes
• information or expertise beyond current experience
• new challenges
• vision to see potential and possibilities
• a critical friend to evaluate performance; or
• assistance in an unsupportive environment.

Why is a facilitated program important?

The ALIA mentoring program provides members with opportunities to participate in facilitated mentoring partnerships and groups. Facilitated programs offer process, structure and time-lines to assure participants their precious time will be used productively.

A facilitated program is one which:

• has a designated beginning and ending
• is carefully planned and structured to ensure that intended results occur
• has been started because of a definite rationale or purpose
• is usually for a targeted group of mentees.

Who is eligible?

The ALIA mentoring program is open to all Associate and Technician members of the Association.

Is there a charge?

There is no charge to join the program. However, participants may need to purchase some workshop materials.