The NIBA Mentoring program encourages and supports professionals seeking to improve their professional development, manage their learning, maximise their potential, and develop their skills and performance. The program is industry-wide and seeks to involve participants from brokerage and other industry sectors. Mentors are drawn from various insurance-related industries, and this program helps develop their leadership skills.

Mentors and mentees will be matched according to their objectives and interests identified during the application process. The program runs for 12 weeks, but the mentor and mentee are encouraged to continue their relationship after the scheduled program by mutual agreement. After the program, mentees, as part of their graduation, will present to the committee and the program’s participants the goals and objectives achieved due to being involved in the mentoring program.

Who can be a Mentor? 

Mentors should have a broad range of life and work experiences and strongly understand our industry’s issues. They must be committed to their mentees' personal and professional development and prepared to be involved in all aspects of the program. Mentors are required to abide by the NIBA Mentoring Code of Practice at all times.

• Guide and offer support to the Mentee
• Commit to the program and be available at the time designated in the program
• Attend the program workshops with the Mentee
• Evaluate the Mentee’s skills and weaknesses
• Provide candid opinions.

Who can be a Mentee? 

NIBA identifies mentees as professionals already working within the industry. For the mentoring process to succeed, mentees must:

• Take responsibility for their learning and development
• Be open to different perspectives
• Take on the challenges and tasks set as part of the program
• Be able to accept appropriate feedback and coaching.

Continuing Professional Development 

Participating in the NIBA Mentoring Program entitles both mentees and mentors to earn twelve (12) CPD points. To qualify for these points, participants must successfully complete the program in full. Mentees must also demonstrate their learning and development outcomes by delivering a short verbal presentation during the final workshop. 

To support the learning journey, each participant will receive a comprehensive program handbook that serves as a valuable guide to enhance the participants' experience. 
 

Program Schedule 

Over the course of 12 weeks, the program presents a range of learning and development opportunities.  

Participants will partake in three (3) interactive face-to-face group workshops, gain insights from two (2) engaging webinars, and engage in seven (7) dedicated mentee/mentor sessions. 

The 2024 Program schedule can be found below.

Application Process

• Each state gets a maximum of 25 pairs (25 x Mentors and 25 x Mentees).
• Our mentoring program committee evaluates the applications. Based on the common objectives and interests identified in the applications, the Committee will find suitable pairs of mentors and mentees.

Please note: Not every application can be successful, as suitable matches may not always be available. 

2024 Program Sponsors 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mentoring?

Mentoring encourages and supports young professionals to manage their own learning, maximize their potential, develop their skills and enhance their performance. Mentoring can be defined as a two-way partnership which may encompass coaching, role modelling, supporting and appraising depending on the needs of the mentee and the capabilities of the mentor.

Who can be a mentor?

NIBA mentors have a broad range of life and work experiences and display a strong understanding of industry issues. It is vital that mentors are committed to the personal and professional development of their mentee and are prepared to be involved in all aspects of the program. Mentors are required to abide by the NIBA Mentoring Code of Practice at all times.

Who can be a mentee?

NIBA identifies mentees as young professionals already working within the industry. For the mentoring process to succeed, mentees must:

• Take responsibility for their own learning and development
• Be open to different perspectives
• Take on the challenges and tasks set as part of the program
• Be able to accept appropriate feedback and coaching

Who decides who will be admitted into the program?

The State Mentoring Committees review all applications and oversees the process of pairing a mentee with a suitable mentor. The Committee will advise you if you have been accepted into the program. Please note that applying does not guarantee you a place – if you are not accepted in the first instance, you will be considered for future programs.

How are the mentors and mentees paired?

The State Mentoring Committees review all applications submitted by both potential mentors and mentees. They are matched according to participants’ objectives and backgrounds. This is an industry-wide program and the committee will only match participants where there is no obvious or potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard the mentee’s workplace supervisor/employer will be advised of their mentor – their consent is required before the program commences.

Can this be used as an employment program?

No, this program is strictly designed as an industry program. Mentors are not there for career consultation. It is expected that mentors and mentees are professionals and respect their colleagues in the industry. All participants must adhere to the guidelines and the program Code of Practice.

Is there a cost to be involved in the program?

With thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to provide this program at no cost to you or your employer. However, because your time and commitment is required, please ensure that you discuss this with your employer. We require the permission of the mentee’s workplace supervisor/employer to participate in the program.

What is required of me?

Both mentors and mentees are required to attend all three workshop sessions.

Meetings between mentors and mentees are flexible and should be arranged by mutual consent. From the experience and recommendations of previous program participants, mentors and mentees should plan to meet every week for approximately 1 hour during the 12-week program.

Where do we meet?

The meeting location should be agreed upon by the mentor and mentee – the location should be convenient for all parties. The workshop sessions are usually held in a central location.

Like the in-person program, the virtual Mentoring Program allows mentees and mentors to set their meeting location or technology format of meeting to be suitable for both parties. The workshops will be held in a virtual format via Zoom. You will be advised of these details prior to the commencement of the program.

What happens if I have a conflict with my mentor/mentee?

Should you experience any issues which you are unable to resolve, you should contact your local State Mentoring Committee or the NIBA Mentoring Coordinator at any stage of the program.

Can I withdraw from the program at any time?

The mentor or mentee can withdraw from the program at any time by providing notice in writing. However, as numbers are limited, participants are expected to complete the program in good faith.

Who should I contact for more information?

For more information on the next program in your region, contact NIBA Mentoring on 02 9459 4311 or email events@niba.com.au.