Mentoring the next generation on forestry professionals

Forestry Australia is delighted to announce a continuation of its Mentoring Program after an immensely successful first year, which saw 100 per cent of mentees report that they were highly satisfied or satisfied with the program.

The inaugural program connected experienced forestry professionals with those who were seeking to develop professionally, personally and evolve their career, with 54 participants enrolling in the nine-month program.

Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin said the program supported the development of the next generation of leaders within the forest sector and encouraged diversity of ideas, people and skills. The program also supports Forestry Australia’s commitment to meeting the needs of its increasingly diverse membership and reinforces its inclusive culture.

“A mentoring relationship is a powerful development experience that can deliver personal and professional benefits for both mentors and mentees,” Ms Martin said.

“We were delighted to receive such great feedback from participants in the program’s first year, and we are looking forward to enhancing this offering even further in 2023.”

2022 Mentee Emily Post said the program improved her professional confidence and introduced her to a valuable industry network.

“My mentor was brilliant, though the connection I have learnt how to become more specific with my goals, and what is required to reach them,” Ms Post said

“My mentor helped me to refine my resume and gave me a true confidence in my knowledge and how to effectively communicate it. The program has left me with a stronger network within the industry, a clearer sense of my goals, and a greater confidence in myself as a professional.”

2022 Mentor Kevin Harding said it was highly rewarding to assist in the personal and professional development of his assigned mentee.

“It has been excellent to engage with a mentee who I did not previously know and is now a valued friend,” he said.

“Our discussions changed focus as he focused in on a new career path that he wants to develop – the program helped him to realise where he wants to take his career.”

Ms Martin encouraged forestry professionals at any stage in their careers to consider signing up as a mentor or mentee in next year’s program.

“Forestry Australia promotes an any age, any stage approach to mentoring, as you are never too young or too old to benefit from receiving or giving mentorship,” she said.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in growing their own career or giving back to the profession to help foster the next generation to get in touch and find out how they can become involved.”

Forestry Australia’s Mentoring Program is developed around a framework and tool kit of resources which supports participants to ensure effective and sustainable knowledge transfer, skill acquisition and maintaining momentum.

Mentors and mentees dedicate at least one hour a month to meet, plus set additional time to prepare for meetings including goal setting, pre-reading, planning and reflection activities.

Applications to participate in Forestry Australia’s 2023 Mentoring Program open Thursday, 15 December.

For more information about becoming involved as either a mentor or a mentee, visit www.forestry.org.au/mentoring/

or call  03 7065 4253

2022 Forestry Australia mentoring program testimonials

My mentor was brilliant, though the connection I have learnt how to become more specific with my goals, and what is required to reach them. My mentor helped me to refine my resume and gave me a true confidence in my knowledge and how to effectively communicate it. The program has left me with a stronger network within the industry, a clearer sense of my goals, and a greater confidence in myself as a professional.
Emily Post, 2022 Mentee

The mentoring program was excellent, I had a great mentor. One lifelong benefits from the program was my mentor assisted me to develop and clarify my personal ethics, we also discussed how to make effective lifelong decisions.
David Faluyi, 2022 Mentee

This was a great initiative from Forestry Australia. It’s a wonderful way to make a deep and meaningful connection with another member, a relationship which will have a life beyond the mentoring program.  I felt so honoured that my mentor was willing to find time away from his busy job to focus on our discussions.
Christine Grove, 2022 Mentee

Excellent to engage with a mentee who I did not previously know and is now a valued friend. Our discussions changed focus as he focused in on a new career path that he wants to develop – the program I think helped him to realise where he wants to take his career.
Kevin Harding, 2022 Mentor

I really enjoyed interacting with a young and enthusiastic member of the forestry community. I also learnt a lot about where to find resources to aid in the development of people.
Wolfgang Drexler, 2022 Mentor

Photos to download for media use, below:

Emily Post
David Faluyi
Christine Grove
Kevin Hardin
Wolfgang Drexle