Learning mentor

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in working with particular groups, like excluded students. You could also become a senior mentor.

With further training, you could move into:

• student advice and guidance
• teaching
• counselling
• educational welfare
• social work

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Psychology - Learning mentors need to understand how young people think, learn, and respond to challenges. Knowledge of child development, motivation, and mental health helps them identify barriers to learning and find the right strategies to support each student.
• Sociology - Learning mentors work with students from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how factors like family, poverty, and social exclusion affect learning. Sociology helps them see the bigger picture behind a student's behaviour and engagement.
• English Language - Learning mentors write action plans, progress reports, and records that are shared with teachers, families, and other professionals. Strong communication skills are also essential for building trust with students and explaining things clearly in one-to-one sessions.

Also relevant

• Biology - Learning mentors benefit from understanding how the brain develops and how factors like stress, sleep, and nutrition affect a young person's ability to concentrate and learn. This knowledge helps them recognise when a student's difficulties might have a physical or developmental basis.
• Philosophy - Learning mentors regularly face ethical questions about how best to support vulnerable young people and when to involve other professionals. Philosophy builds skills in careful reasoning and considering different perspectives, which is valuable when navigating sensitive situations.
• Religious Studies - Learning mentors work with students from many different cultural and religious backgrounds. Understanding diverse beliefs and values helps them build respectful relationships and respond sensitively to each student's individual circumstances.