MCR Pathways: Changing lives through the power of mentoring

Workforce North is bringing together industry, education, and partners to better align skills and workforce needs, and we are now inviting employers to play a more active role in shaping what comes next.

A key partner within Workforce North, MCR Pathways is calling on employers from across Ross-shire and Sutherland to step forward and support an exciting pilot mentoring programme in local schools. The pilot will run across Dingwall Academy, Alness Academy, Invergordon Academy, Tain Royal Academy, and Golspie High School.

Career-Focused Pilot Mentoring Programme in Ross-shire and Sutherland schools
Can you give your time to help shape a young person’s future?

Delivered in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), The Highland Council, and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the pilot programme places a trusted adult volunteer mentor at the heart of each young person’s journey.

The pilot programme will support S4 young people to build personalised relationships with links to local industry, helping them to value their own unique talents, grow in confidence, and build ambitions for their future careers.

Volunteer mentors will support an S4 young person in a school local to them to plan and prepare as they take their next steps towards positive post-school destinations. Mentoring may include relationship building through conversation and shared activities, sharing your world of work and the pathways available, interview practice, and workplace taster sessions.

Why Get Involved?

• For Employers: A tangible way to deliver social value, support staff development in leadership, active listening, and problem-solving, while fostering strong links with the future regional workforce.
• For Volunteer Mentors: Giving just one hour a week during term time can help a young person realise their potential while providing a renewed sense of purpose and community connection.
• No Prior Experience Required: Full training and ongoing support are provided by MCR Pathways.

What does mentoring under the Workforce North 2026/2027 pilot look like?

• Timeline: Register now to mentor between October 2026 and Easter 2027 (may be extended for Christmas 2027 leavers).
• Commitment: Just one hour per week, flexible around your commitments.
• Availability: Term time only, during school hours (between 8:50 am and 3:40 pm).
• Format: In-person and virtual mentoring options.
• Training & Safeguarding: Short training provided (online or in the workplace) and PVG check arranged.
• Support: Ongoing guidance from our mentor services team and in-school coordinators.

Attend an Info Session
Interested in learning more first? Join an upcoming employer information session to hear directly from our team. Register for an upcoming Info Session.

Register Directly as a Volunteer Mentor
Ready to make an impact? Individual employees can sign up to become a mentor in local schools. Register to become a volunteer mentor.

Explore Employer Partnerships
Interested in bringing MCR Pathways to your organisation or hosting a tailored session for your staff? Visit mcrpathways.org/support-us to download our Programme Guide for Partners, or reach out to our local Highland team. 

Email: highland@mcrpathways.org | Phone: 07897 069 683 (Mon to Fri, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)