South West College (SWC) has today announced the launch of the Mentorship for Growth (MfG) initiative. The initiative will be delivered in collaboration with MEGA (Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement) and its key aim will be to enhance the employability and career development prospects for Level 2 and Level 3 Apprentices working in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Sector through dedicated mentorship support.
The Mentorship for Growth initiative is a direct response to industry need and provides a mechanism to support the sector, particularly in addressing the principal challenge of boosting regional productivity through the nurturing and development of a more-skilled and industry-ready workforce. South West College and MEGA will co-design and co-deliver a bespoke Apprentice Coaching and Mentoring Training Programme tailored to the needs of today’s apprentices and local industry requirements.
The programme will follow on from the Mentor NOW Scheme and those who participated in that scheme will support the delivery of the training.
Speaking about the initiative, Ciaran McManus, Direct of Industry Support and Development at South West College, said:
“I am delighted that South West College and MEGA are partnering once again on this very exciting and transformative initiative. We have a strong and collaborative working relationship and a shared goal to support the work of the organisations in this sector.
Through our engagements with industry partners we know that there is a need for this programme, particularly in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector. The pressures facing the industry are immense and we believe that through the roll out of MfG. apprentices will be better equipped to meet the needs of their employers and in turn boost levels of productivity across the region."
Maria Curran, Project Director at MEGA added: “At MEGA, we believe that meaningful mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have to develop talent, retain skills, and build a future-ready workforce. Today’s event reflects the incredible collaboration between industry, education, and government — and it’s a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to invest in people. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
Reflecting on the importance of mentoring in the apprenticeship programme, Una Mc Cabe, Mentor Lead at MEGA said: “Mentoring plays a critical role in the success of apprenticeship programs—it not only helps attract young talent by offering guidance and support, but also ensures their development through shared experience and knowledge. A strong mentoring culture builds confidence, fosters growth, and ultimately improves retention by creating a sense of belonging and purpose within the organisation."
For further information about Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeships at South West College, please see below.