
A How-to Guide for Mentors
Mentoring employees in the construction industry can transform your business while also helping build a skilled and sustainable construction workforce for Western Australia. Learn about how your business can shape the future of Western Australia’s construction industry with CTF’s Mentoring in Construction: A How-to Guide for Mentors.
A win-win for employers and staff
Mentorship can be a game-changer for apprentices, pre-apprentices and employers in the construction industry.
Mentoring is not just about nurturing job skills – it also addresses real challenges, both on the job and in everyday life. Guiding newcomers to the industry helps apprentices navigate their career path and contributes to a more experienced and professional WA construction workforce.
The benefits of mentoring extend far beyond supporting mentees. Mentors can develop their leadership skills, build stronger teams and get a fresh perspective on the industry. Mentoring employees creates a win-win dynamic, empowering both mentors and mentees to thrive.

What is a construction mentorship?
Mentoring in construction is a professional relationship where a more experienced mentor provides guidance, advice and support to a less experienced apprentice or pre-apprentice.
It can be a great way of ensuring a mentee develops the skills, understanding and knowledge they need to thrive in the construction industry.
Key benefits of mentoring for mentors
- Personal satisfaction
Becoming a mentor can be rewarding. Supporting your employees as they work towards their career goals allows you to play a direct role in their success. Watching your mentees grow and succeed can be a satisfying experience, knowing that your advice and knowledge has contributed to their success.
- Develop leadership skills
Mentoring employees is a great way to develop your leadership and coaching skills. By guiding your mentees, you’ll become a more effective communicator. These experiences can make you a stronger leader and a better problem solver.
- Networking opportunities
A mentoring relationship can help you to build and grow your own professional network. Through your mentees, you will gain accesses to new industries, professionals and networks. These connections can expose you to new ideas and opportunities while keeping you engaged in your field.
- Gaining new perspectives
Mentoring allows you to learn from your mentees as well. They can share new ways of thinking, insights into workplace trends and information about technologies or practices that you may not have encountered before. These fresh perspectives can enhance your own knowledge and adaptability.
- Improved reputation
Mentoring employees may elevate your professional reputation and visibility within the industry, demonstrating that you are committed to developing talent and highlighting your leadership qualities. As you become known for mentoring, you may find more recognition and business opportunities.
Ashleigh's story
Building company owner, registered builder and carpenter Ashleigh Hiemstra, who was last year crowned Tradeswoman of the Year at the HIA Awards, speaks about the benefits of mentoring for mentors and how rewarding she has found being a mentor to other young women in the industry.
Key benefits of mentoring for mentees
- Guidance and support
As a mentee you’ll receive personalised support from your mentor, including valuable guidance and advice, skill development and improved decision making. Your mentor will be there to support you throughout your career in construction, giving you confidence in knowing you can turn to an experienced professional for direction and assistance.
- Skill development
Mentorship provides you with the opportunity to develop new skills and gain knowledge directly from your mentor’s own experience. You can benefit directly from your mentor’s experience in the construction industry, gaining insights that can help you grow both personally and professionally. By learning from their expertise, you’ll be better equipped to succeed in your role and advance your career.
- Networking opportunities
Through a mentoring program, you can expand your professional connections. You’ll gain access to your mentor’s network, significantly advancing your connections. This may help to increase your access to potential career opportunities in the construction industry.
- Increased confidence
Having a mentor provides ongoing encouragement and constructive feedback, helping you feel more confident in your abilities. Your mentor’s support can help you feel more assured in making important career decisions and taking on new challenges in the workplace. Knowing you have support can make a real difference to your confidence.
- Career advancement
Your mentor will help you identify career growth opportunities and provide actionable insights and advice on how to reach your professional goals. Their guidance can prepare you for the next steps in your career, whether that involves taking on more responsibility, learning new skills, or exploring new roles in the construction industry.

Practical advice for getting started as a mentor
To learn more about the benefits of mentoring and how it can shape the construction industry’s future, download a copy of Mentoring in Construction: A How-to Guide for Mentors.
Take the next step in your construction career and discover how mentoring can make a difference. For more details, contact CTF using the form below or by calling (08) 9244 0100.

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