Case Study: Mackay Regional Council Mentoring Program
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How Mackay Regional Council and the Resource Industry Network partnered with Art of Mentoring to develop local leaders and strengthen the regional workforce for long-term success.
Program at a glance
Pairs Per Cohort 20 Mentoring Pairs
Organisation Type Regional Council
Program Length 4.5 Months
Cohorts in 2019 2 Cohorts
Advocacy Rate 100%
The Challenge
Developing local leaders in a region facing significant change
When Alexandra Dobbins, Organisational Development Specialist for Mackay Regional Council, was tasked with supporting the regional and MRC strategies to develop people into leadership roles, she quickly identified that creating connection across industry and building networks was critical.
Mackay’s regional location, combined with the perception of limited facilities and enormous change occurring in the mining industry, made it difficult for organisations to attract experienced leaders to the area.
Preparing the regional workforce for long-term success required bringing together experienced professionals, new recruits, and industry and government advocates to share regional knowledge and cultivate expertise.
It's challenging to plan strategically when the most valuable resource — people — are the most complex dilemma.
Alexandra Dobbins
Organisational Development Specialist, Mackay Regional Council
The Solution
A cross-industry mentoring program connecting leaders across the region
In partnership with the Resource Industry Network (RIN), Mackay Regional Council selected Art of Mentoring to implement a strategic mentoring program to develop local leaders. The strong influence of the mining industry on the local economy meant that an alliance between RIN and MRC was crucial to opening conversations about the future direction of the region.
Mackay Regional Council chose to manage the program internally, using the structured framework, training resources, software and support provided by Art of Mentoring. As recommended by Art of Mentoring, MRC and RIN opened and closed the program with face-to-face formal functions to build momentum and camaraderie from beginning to end.
Two cohorts were recruited across 2019, each with 20 mentoring pairs. MRC and RIN took advantage of Art of Mentoring’s Professional Plan, enabling access to mentor and mentee online training, a suite of educational resources and communication templates.
Smart matching across industries and geographies
Participants answered a range of questions to determine the best mentoring match, based on desired learning outcomes, geographical location and time availability. The platform’s algorithm drafted matches using multiple choice responses, with human consideration then applied using free text fields and team knowledge to finalise each pairing.
Matched pairs were encouraged to meet at three face-to-face functions — at launch, mid-program and close — as well as one-on-one at mutually suitable times, meeting approximately once every two to three weeks.
Program Outcomes
Remarkable results from the very first cohort
At the close of the first program in July 2019, just four and a half months after it began, the results were outstanding.
100%
of participants said they would recommend the program to others
38%
said it was one of the best things they had ever done
75%
felt the program length was just right, with the remainder saying it was too short
2x
as many applicants for the second cohort, driven by strong word of mouth
My mentor guided me without taking the driving seat. He allowed me to come up with the answers to my own questions.
Program Participant
Mackay Mentoring Program
Hear from the AVA
Watch: The Impact of the Mackay Mentoring Program
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Mentors and mentees from the Mackay Mentoring Program share what the experience meant to them and why they would recommend it to anyone looking to grow professionally.
I found the mentoring program invaluable. It's a rare opportunity to engage with professionals who work within your field and can open up your experience and give you some direction in your career — so go for it.
Mentee
Mackay Mentoring Program
I got a lot out of it myself as a mentor. Having an age gap and coming from a different industry does help as well.
Mentor
Mackay Mentoring Program
Participant Testimonials
What mentors and mentees had to say
It was a great program. It's definitely a good idea to go in with an open mind, because your journey doesn't always go in the direction you may have originally thought — which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Melissa Rogers
Mentee
I did achieve my goals. I committed to the program and ensured that takeaways from each session were applied in a practical sense.
Emily Wicks
Mentee
After experiencing the situation of having a mentor, I have realised the importance of a mentor and would recommend everyone needs one to grow in their professional life.
Rohith Kallem
Mentee
What a great programme that provides the opportunity for people to connect and deliver business results through connecting with those that are prepared to share their knowledge and experiences.
Heidi Fagan
Mentee
Looking Ahead
A program built to grow with the region
The second cohort commenced in July 2019 with another 20 pairs and attracted twice as many applicants as the first — a clear sign of strong word-of-mouth recommendation within the region.
Following the success of the first two cohorts, MRC planned to extend beyond 20 pairs in 2020 by widening the scope of eligible member organisations, adding even more diversity of experience for participants.
The Mentoring Program adds enormous value to our Employee Value Proposition. I've been approached by organisations outside the RIN network and MRC to join the program. Mentors have volunteered for both cohorts just to give back and help grow our region.
Alexandra Dobbins
Mackay Regional Council
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