At its core, Empower facilitates a mentoring partnership between participants. Empower is responsible for ensuring this relationship is successful in that both parties are working towards a common goal. 

In order to support participants to achieve their goals and aspirations, Empower offers two main programmes: 

1. Workshops

2. Peer-to-peer mentoring

The aims of the workshops are to introduce participants to a wide range of services and skills that will be useful as they move to higher education or toward a career. Skills may be social, practical, or learning based. The peer-to-peer mentoring sessions will act as a follow up and parallel programme to the workshops to ensure mentees are putting these skills to use and to expand on any areas of need. 

How it works: Mentees

1. Apply: Submit an expression of interest

2. Initial Catch Up: We will arrange a time for us to speak to get to know you better.

3. Matching: We will arrange a time to speak to you to get to know you better. At Empower it is important for us that your family are involved in your mentoring journey - if you are under the age of 18 years old, we will request parental consent and have a conversation with your parents or caregiver about how our programme works and what they can expect from us.

4. Orientation and Launch: You will meet your mentor at a combined orientation.

How it works: Mentors

1. Apply online: Please complete the online application form

2. CV: Please send your CV to rawan@empoweryouth.org.nz 

3. Interview: An Empower team member will be in contact with you to schedule an interview.

4. Background check:  Please complete the Police Vetting form below and return via email to rawan@empoweryouth.org.nz along with TWO forms of identification. At least one form of identification should be photographic. Your primary identification document should ideally be your passport (NZ or overseas). For more information about your secondary identification, please talk to one of our team members. 

5. Referees: We will be in contact with the two referees you provide.

6. Mentor Training Session: Before being matched with a mentee, you will attend a training day.

7. Matching: We will review your application and match you with a mentee. The following factors may also be taken into account: similar interests, similar career or study aspirations, location, and hobbies as well as any other factors we may deem appropriate.

8. Orientation and Launch: You will meet your mentee at a combined orientation.