Students from Sidmouth College have started taking part in Empowering Girls mentoring sessions this term. A selection of Year 9 girls are working with inspirational local women who have volunteered their time for six weeks to support the school’s developing Careers Programme. 

The aim is to have the programme running throughout the year so that as many girls as possible can take part and benefit from the mentors skills and experience.

The mentors hope to build up the girls' communication skills and confidence to help them while they are still at school and in the future. The mentoring arrangement can also lead to work experience placements when they are in Year 10.

The mentors for this programme represent a wide variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, law, and project management. They include:

• Vicky Friedlander, Divisional Director – Investment Manager
• Carolyne Baker, Process Improvement Consultant
• Bernice Williams, Manager - Livewest
• Denese Molyneux, Financial Planner
• Kelly Louise Preece, University Manager
• Hannah Barnard, Alumni/Healthcare Manager
• Jemma Norris, Remedial Therapist
• Ellie Axton, Project Management, Coreus
• Amy Lavers, Partner and Solicitor at Tozers

The Empowering Girls programme has been designed to support girls with their confidence, raise aspirations and provide students with positive female role models.

Sidmouth College, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has a strong careers programme with an emphasis on providing information and increasing self-awareness and decision-making. The programme begins in Year 7 and continues throughout students’ time at the College, supported by the Careers and Work Related Learning Co-ordinator. Staff encourage students to look carefully at their own abilities and preferences when making choices about the future and support students to work towards their future goals.

Mrs Lisa Whitworth, Headteacher at Sidmouth College said:

“We are thrilled to have such an incredible group of women involved in this programme. Their guidance and support will have a lasting impact on the girls, helping them to develop the skills they need to succeed, both at school and in their future careers.”

Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“This initiative is a fantastic way to give young girls the tools they need to thrive. The mentors are not only sharing their expertise but also offering a vision of what these students can achieve with hard work and determination. We look forward to seeing this programme grow and empower more students in the years to come.”