ARI launches facility managers mentoring program

In a move to enhance the career progression of managers of aquatic and recreation facilities, the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) is introducing an industry mentoring program.

Launched at the ARI’s annual conference in the Hunter Valley this week, the ARI Mentor Program aims to recognise key issues in the aquatic and recreation sector including its growing workforce, emerging professionals’ desire for career advancement and a recognition that individuals who have been mentored are recognised as reporting better career outcomes than those who have not been mentored.

The ARI’s initiative is partly based upon aquatics, fitness, recreation and sport being recognised among Australia’s top 20 largest employment sectors, with Service Skills Australia identifying, in 2015, that industry occupations account for 95,950 people.

Service Skills Australia’s 2015 data also advised that “if more investment was made in multi-skilling, it would be easier for staff to see their jobs as careers not just short-term employment.”

Mindful of this, and that 71% of the industry’s workforce are under 40 years of age, as opposed to 48% for the rest of the working population, ARI Mentor Program will support emerging industry leaders through a six month program wherein ARI Member Teams complete a project-based challenge over six months under the guidance of an experienced industry mentor.
Program challenges will sees participants (mentees) solving a problem under the guidance of an industry mentor through research, program or solution design that benefit the industry while providing opportunities for mentees to develop technical, project and leadership skills.

Mentees, will then present their solution to a panel of industry experts at the ARI’s annual conference for a chance to be recognised for the most innovative or effective solution.

Scheduled to commence in September, potential mentees are encouraged to contact the ARI to be part of the program.

In addition, the ARI is asking mentors to join the program.

For more information, go to www.arinsw.com.au

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