This Volunteers’ Week 2026, we are celebrating the incredible connections that change lives. Mentoring isn’t just about providing academic support; it’s about providing a bridge between where a young person is, where they want to be, and how they get there.
The story of Caleb, a young person at Dunoon Grammar School, and his mentor Jake, perfectly illustrates how the right match can shift a young person’s entire perspective on the future.
Overcoming barriers
When Caleb was first identified for mentoring, he came across as a very polite and respectful young boy. While his overall attendance at school was good, he was continuing to develop his punctuality and was working towards making more positive behaviour choices both in and out of school, particularly when with his peers. His guidance teacher was determined to do more to support Caleb to engage more fully in school and realise his potential. When MCR Pathways Coordinator, Mhairi, started working with Caleb, his mindset was that he wanted to leave school as soon as he could.
Finding the perfect match
When Mhairi introduced the programme to Caleb he was very eager to take part and he agreed that he could really benefit from having someone impartial to talk to outside of his direct circle. Caleb attended Army Cadets and was either interested in joining the Armed Forces when he left school or becoming a Mechanic. When matching Caleb, Mhairi looked for a male role model able to give him the confidence to make more positive choices, and ideally someone with experience connected to his preferred career paths. Mhairi matched Caleb with Jake, who hadn’t been very academic in school but went on to become a Mechanic before joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as having been through the selection process to join the Army himself – a perfect match!
Building Trust
When they started meeting Caleb and Jake hit it off immediately thanks to their shared similar interests. Over time they built a very positive relationship, and went on to meet nearly 50 times before Caleb left school. It was clear to see that Caleb looked forward to meeting Jake each week and looked up to him as a positive role model, even telling Mhairi on numerous occasions that it was easier coming into school on the days he knew he’d be seeing Jake. Each week it was great to see the pair engage with each other, laughing, joking and deciding who is bringing in the biscuits the following week for their hot chocolate! As their relationship developed, Jake helped Caleb to build his confidence, to overcome self doubt about his academic ability and to see that everyone’s career path looks a bit different.
A new outlook
Jake supported Caleb to look at the required qualifications to pursue mechanics, and with Mhairi and Jake’s support, Caleb secured a work placement at a local garage every week.
Over time, Caleb’s attitude and outlook towards his education and future pathway became much more positive. Mentoring helped Caleb to decide to stay on at school to achieve the qualifications needed for his chosen career path. Caleb considered the option of going to university to then join the Army as an Officer – a massive shift from wanting to leave school at the first opportunity!
Realising Potential
Following his work placement at the local garage, Caleb was offered a mechanics apprenticeship starting in September 2025, and the garage also offered to put Caleb through his driving lessons. Caleb completed his final year at school to ensure he achieved his qualifications, showing just how much his attitude to school changed since he began mentoring. Caleb also signed up to the local college to join a night class to enable him to gain his National 5 Maths qualification, which he managed through saving from his placement and taking on additional shifts. Caleb is now successfully completing his mechanics apprenticeship and studying at West College Scotland. Through the power of mentoring Caleb gained more confidence in himself, has matured and now has the self belief that he can do whatever he sets his mind to. He is focused, clear on his goals and knows how to achieve them.
“I don’t know what you’re doing, but it’s working and I want to thank you all for helping Caleb.”
Caleb’s mother to Pathways Coordinator, Mhairi
Become a Trusted Adult Volunteer Mentor like Jake
There are many young people like Caleb waiting for a Trusted Adult Volunteer Mentor to help them realise their potential.
Find out more: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
This story has been anonymised to protect the privacy of those involved, and stock imagery has been used.