What is a Partner in Business?

A Partner in Business (coach) is an employee volunteer who provides an Academy students (aged 16-19) with support, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example. The focus is particularly on the content of the student’s course and helping them develop the soft skills for adult life.

Experience suggests that a good coach:

• communicates high expectations
• is a good listener
• is understanding and not judgemental
• helps young people bring out strengths that are already there
• offers encouragement without assuming responsibility for the results

Partners in Business describe the experience as one of the most rewarding and personally fulfilling things they do in their working life.

Time commitment

A Coach is expected to meet their student approximately twice a term for 18 months (approximately ten times in total). Preparation time and possible email or telephone contact in between in also required. We recognise that people change jobs/locations and that an 18 month commitment many not always be possible. Nevertheless, the intention is for a long term relationship, not a fly-in-fly-out volunteering opportunity. Coaches should understand this commitment from the outset.