Mentoring Works

Where Youth Mentoring Meets Professional Mentoring

Mentoring Works is a new program from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia connecting experienced professionals and skilled tradespeople with high school students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

Through one-to-one mentoring relationships, volunteers share their knowledge, experience, and career guidance to help young people build confidence, develop professional skills, and see a clear path toward their future.

CTE programs provide students with opportunities to combine classroom learning, technical skills, and real-world experiences as they prepare for high-demand careers and continued education. Mentoring Works helps bridge the gap between education and the workforce by connecting students with professionals in the fields they hope to enter.

Why Mentoring Matters

A mentor can make a lasting impact by helping a young person:

  • Build confidence and self-esteem 

  • Explore career opportunities 

  • Develop workplace skills and expectations 

  • Learn from someone with real industry experience 

  • Set goals and create a plan for their future 

Research shows that mentoring creates benefits for both the student and the mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America found that more than 75% of mentors experience improved self-esteem and a stronger sense of purpose. MENTOR found that employee volunteer mentoring can increase job satisfaction, and personal growth.

How Employers Can Get Involved

Businesses play an important role in preparing the next generation of workers.

By partnering with Mentoring Works, employers can:

  • Support students entering skilled career fields 

  • Provide employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities 

  • Strengthen workforce development in our community 

  • Help create a pipeline of prepared, confident future employees 

Through partnerships with local businesses and school systems, Mentoring Works helps build a stronger workforce while giving young adults the encouragement and support they need to reach their goals. 

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for professionals and skilled tradespeople who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with students interested in their career field.

Mentors may come from industries such as:

  • Skilled trades 

  • Healthcare 

  • Technology 

  • Manufacturing 

  • Construction 

  • Automotive 

  • Culinary arts 

  • Other Career and Technical Education pathways 

A mentor does not need to have all the answers. They simply need a willingness to encourage, guide, and invest in a young person’s future.

How to Become a Mentor

Step 1: Talk With Your Employer

Let your employer know you are interested in supporting Mentoring Works as a volunteer mentor.

Step 2: Complete the Volunteer Process

Complete the required paperwork and become an approved volunteer mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia.

Step 3: Get Matched

Big Brothers Big Sisters will match you with a student participating in a CTE program who is interested in your area of expertise. 

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Mentoring Works was created from a desire to support young people preparing for careers in skilled fields. By connecting students with professionals, we give them opportunities to learn from real experiences, build leadership skills, and develop confidence in their future.

Together, local businesses, schools, and mentors can help students discover their potential and create a stronger community workforce.

Interested in becoming a mentor or business partner?

Ash Gorman, Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia
2901 Langhorne Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24501

(434) 426-1590 (cell)
ash@bigcva.org