CIAT mentoring programme extended

CIAT has announced an extension to the pilot of the MentorMatchMe programme, which will now be open until 31 August 2016.

MentorMatchMe is an online mentoring platform, which allows experienced members who act as the mentors, to assist other members working in the industry in a variety of areas by providing a range of support, advice and guidance, the mentees. The platform also encourages e-learning. It supports a wide range of learning and development resources. All of these are accessible from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
 
Online materials include: The MentorMatchMe Guide to Mentoring; a learning diary; and a range of learning resources.
 
All members can benefit in a variety of ways by joining as a mentor or a mentee such as:

Membership progression/qualifying
Guidance and support is available on membership progression, routes to qualifying and assistance on various areas/standards when completing the qualifying processes such as the T/MCIAT Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record or the MCIAT Professional Assessment from staff, Member Panel and Interview Assessors and possibly recently qualified Members.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Support and guidance could be available if CPD is required on numerous relevant industry topics.

Education/careers
Members looking to study at an Accredited Honours or Masters degree level programme or requiring general guidance on Architectural Technology courses available. Careers advice available for those members who may be looking into diversifying their skills.

Setting up in practice/offering services
If you are looking to set up on your own in practice and need guidance then further information is available. There are a number of information sheets and guidance documentation to assist you in ensuring that you are in compliance with the Code of Conduct and elaborate on considerations to be made when setting up and considering commissions. Chartered Members also benefit from the Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme run for us by CIAT Insurance Services, which offers both competitive rates and a first class service, as well as a legal helpline.  Those who are already practising may benefit from the practice services available – outlined in the Practice Services, Information and Guidance document.

Employment/jobs
Guidance could be available from members/employers on how to develop your employability skills and prepare for interviews etc. Jobs cannot be advertised on MentorMatchMe but can be done through CIAT jobs in collaboration with RIBA Appointments and CIOB Jobs.  

International – support from our Centres
Help and advice on living, studying or working overseas, including legislation and education or procedures involved in setting up a practice.

Media/PR
Writing articles or case studies promoting the discipline, projects and good practice etc

Awards
Support if you are considering or keen to enter one of the Institute’s Awards:

•     The Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology
•     The Alan King Award,
•     Student Award for Excellence (Report) and
•     Student Award for Excellence (Project)  
•     An opportunity to look at the work of previous award winners

Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Gain insight or share knowledge from members who work with BIM in SME’s through to large practices on their experience of BIM implementation and collaboration

Leadership/management
General guidance is provided for members on leadership and management.

How You Could Benefit as a Mentor (open to all members)
Remember you could have a particular skill or experience which could be invaluable to other members; as a professional you are encouraged to give something back to your profession.
 
Benefits could include:

• Developing your coaching skills.
• Satisfying part of your obligation to undertake a minimum of 35 hours Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per year.
• Sharing your experience as an employer or employee whilst broadening your own experience.
• Developing and sharing your perspective on your professional and personal experiences.
• Passing your industry knowledge to others.
• An opportunity to network with fellow members within the industry.
• For academics/or guest lecturers to have the opportunity to mentor students or academic colleagues in relation to knowledge sharing, teaching, providing support for site visits, research or organising/presenting at Architectural Technology-related events or working with the Institute to promote the discipline and membership.  

How You Could Benefit as a Mentee (open to all members)
Any member may choose to become a mentee and gain addition knowledge. Mentees may not just be students, profile candidates or Associates working to become a competent professional (MCIAT or TCIAT), for example a Chartered Member with many years of experience holding a senior position may wish to become a mentee in relation to another area of practice.
 
Benefits could include:

• Gaining guidance on qualification/progression from those who have been through the system or have experiences to share.
• Receiving independent guidance and support about your expectations and career plan.
• Learning about setting up your own CIAT Registered Practice from experienced practitioners
• Developing the capabilities and skills needed to succeed in a dynamic global economy
• Identifying your strengths, weaknesses and the best way to work with these in your career
• Developing a structured CPD plan  

Joining as a Mentor or Mentee
You would need to create an account by signing up to www.ciat.mentormatch.me  
You are required to specify at this stage whether you are volunteering as a mentor or registering as a mentee and provide your membership grade and number.   

Once your account has been set up you will be prompted to complete a profile form, which will enable mentors and mentees to be matched based on areas of common interest and experience. When matched, we encourage you to meet (face to face or via an online meeting facility) for a couple of hours each month.
 
If you wish to be a Mentor and a Mentee, you must register twice using separate email addresses.
 
Further information
If you have any questions about the platform do not hesitate to contact James Banks, Membership Director ([email protected]) who is overseeing the pilot. The pilot has been extended until 31 August 2016 at which time member involvement will be evaluated.
 
We very much hope that you will take part in this pilot and assist in helping us progress this for permanent use. We also welcome any comments or feedback.