Fully online. Fully supported.
Give your own career a head start
Volunteering teaches valuable leadership skills and looks great on a CV. The programme is also an opportunity to make industry connections, develop your own skills and understanding, and earn a university-accredited CPD certificate.
A single year, a lifelong impact
Share your experience, answer questions and be a supportive ear to a small group of students. Seeing someone progress over time thanks to your help is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Taking part is easy
There is no need to organise or prepare anything – this is all handled behind the scenes. 24/7 support from a real person is always available if you ever need help.
Boost your confidence and people skills
Access training that will improve your confidence and communication skills. Anyone can be a great mentor – all you need to do is care. Mentors regularly report feeling more confident and fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives.
Give forward to the industry’s next generation
Share what you’ve learned and help build the pipeline of skilled people our sector needs to grow and succeed.
Free, flexible and online
The programme is free to participate in and 100% online, designed to fit around your work and life. Training can be completed at your own pace.
Mentoring is a two-way relationship and the benefits flow in both directions. For young adults, having a consistent mentor has been shown to improve confidence, emotional wellbeing and practical and professional life skills.
Mentoring also offers a wealth of benefits for the mentor themselves. The role offers the chance to develop coaching and communication skills, with many mentors claiming that they feel more confident in their workplace with the skills they have learned. Many also describe gaining a renewed sense of purpose in their lives, found through building a meaningful relationship that is just as rewarding for themselves as for their mentee.
The UKESF is an independent, UK based charity working to address the skills gap in Electronics through raising awareness, promoting interest in young people, supporting the development of those who choose electronics, and building relationships to ensure a thriving sector. The UKESF Mentoring Programme is an important strand of the Semiconductor Talent Award, a national, government-funded programme that aims to strengthen the UK’s semiconductor and Electronics talent pipeline.
Goal 17 are supporting the UKESF to deliver the UKESF Mentoring Programme. Goal 17 is a UK-based social impact organisation founded in 2018, delivering mentoring programmes under contract to clients including the Department for Education, the Mayor of London and local authorities across England. On 14 August, it received a Princess Royal Training Award 2026 from the City & Guilds Foundation for its internal training programme used to develop staff and support mentors.
Q. Who can become a Mentor?
A. Mentors are professionals working in, or with experience relevant to, the semiconductor and Electronics sector. Undergraduates and recent graduates who have at least 6 months of industry experience are also eligible to become Mentors. If you’re not sure if your background is relevant but are keen to be involved, please do register your details and we will be in touch.
Q. How much time will it take?
A. In the Autumn (October-December) and Spring (January – March) terms, you will meet online with your small group of mentees for one 60-90 minute group mentoring session per term. In the Summer term (April-June) you will then meet each of those mentees individually for a short 1:1 mentoring session.
There will be some occasional messaging, but sessions will be coordinated by Goal17.
Q. Do I need previous mentoring experience?
A. Absolutely not. The programme provides university-developed training before you start, covering mentoring skills, safeguarding and what to expect, so you ‘ll feel confident from your first session.
Q. I’ve never been a Mentor before/mentoring is outside of my comfort zone. Is this right for me?
A. Absolutely. Our training will help you build confidence and communication skills. As long as you care, anyone can be a great ambassador! And if you ever need a hand, our 24/7 support is there.
Q. What do I get out of it?
A. Beyond the incredible feeling of seeing someone develop thanks to your help, you’ll also build your CV, develop leadership and communication skills, and can earn a university-accredited CPD certificate.
Q. What are my responsibilities as a Mentor?
A. You’ll participate in online training to become a “UKESF Mentor”. This university accredited course can be completed online and at your own pace. You will then be matched with a small group of students and provide informal, supportive guidance — sharing your experience, answering questions about the industry and career paths, and offering encouragement as they progress through the year. There’s no requirement to prepare formal materials or deliver presentations.
Q. Is it in person or online?
A. Fully online. You can be based anywhere in the UK.
Q. What support is available once I’m mentoring?
A. 24/7 support from a real person is available throughout the programme. If you ever need any help, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Q. What about safeguarding, vetting and data handling?
A. Safeguarding is built into every stage of the programme, including appropriate vetting of mentors and clear guidance on data handling. Full detail is provided during onboarding.
Q. Who is running the programme?
A. Goal 17, an established mentoring delivery organisation, runs the programme on behalf of UKESF, with funding from UK Government. Training, safeguarding, matching and logistics are all handled by Goal 17.