Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool. It is an effective way of helping people to progress in their careers and ultimately benefits the mining, minerals and underground construction industries. Mentoring is a partnership between two people (mentor and mentee) normally working in a similar field or sharing similar experiences. It is a helpful relationship based upon mutual trust and respect.

Many industries will experience a significant loss of professionals to retirement in the next 5-10 years. Mining schools already suffer from a low number of instructors and professors. The SME online mentoring program is an easy and effective way to guide and assist students and young professionals. Even seasoned professionals can benefit from a mentor.