Mentoring that makes apprentices thrive
Breedon needed consistent, role-fit support for apprentices—clear journeys, defined mentor roles, and practical techniques that kept safety first while balancing operations.
The Challenge
Breedon faced challenges in providing consistent, role-appropriate support to apprentices while translating complex technical knowledge into simple, practical guidance.
Structuring a clear learning journey and progression framework, defining mentor roles without implying extra pay or responsibility, and equipping mentors with effective instructional techniques are critical hurdles.
Mentor are not always line mangers but do need to provide advice that’s timely, practical, and ensures safety is paramount.
This has to be done while balancing operational demands, adding a further complexity to developing an effective apprentice mentoring support programme.
The end result of any Mentor’s assistance should be an increase in short-term performance and support for the Mentee’s longer term career development.
The Solution
The Mentor programme equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively guide and support newly hired apprentices.
Learners enhance communication, mentoring, and technical skills, strengthen problem-solving, and foster collaboration within their teams.
The programme also develops safety awareness, feedback and evaluation capabilities, and practical guidance techniques to ensure apprentices grow, succeed, and thrive in their roles.
The Result
Learners were able to communicate instructions and safety protocols clearly, provide constructive feedback, and demonstrate correct equipment operation.
They had a better understanding of common apprentice challenges and implemented strategies to support skill development and progression.
By fostering a positive, supportive and informed learning environment, learners have enhanced their team contribution, improve their own competence, and ensured a safer, more productive workplace.
"I would highly recommend Scott from The Learning Lab. Scott designed and delivered a workshop to support colleagues who were mentoring apprentices, and the impact was genuinely excellent. He took the time to work closely with me and the wider business to fully understand our needs and the culture at Breedon, ensuring the content was relevant, practical and well pitched.
Scott also involved HR colleagues early on, which helped him tailor the level and approach of the workshops appropriately, and he ran a pilot to test and refine the programme. The feedback from participants was extremely positive. Scott took colleagues on a clear journey, building both confidence and capability, and equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to be successful mentors. His collaborative, thoughtful approach and high-quality delivery made a real difference."
Ceri Travers, Early Careers Manager @ Breedon
