Ralf Minkewitz is certain: mentors are much more than that!
He talks about his experiences in this interview.
Why are you involved with JOBLINGE?
I have been working with young people and apprenticeship seekers for many years.
Young people with placement barriers or who have already dropped out of training have otherwise found it very difficult to regain a foothold in working life – JOBLINGE has closed this gap.
I like to support projects that create prospects for young people.
To what extent are mentors important for young people?
JOBLINGE has excellent employees who are all close to the real world.
But close is sometimes not close enough.
Mentors come from the field and can or sometimes have to “ground” the young people.
But they are also much more: a friend, supervisor, mediator or simply a “back support”.
What distinguishes your mentee Franziska, how did her training work out?
I got to know Franziska with a huge rucksack full of old burdens, which she gradually overcame on her own.
She needed someone who had her back, who believed in her and stood up for her when necessary.
That’s all I did.
She managed it all on her own.
What tips do you prefer to give your mentees?
There is nothing standard about it.
You just have to remain realistic, believe in yourself and not give up at the first setback.
What have you yourself learned from your mentees?
That many, which at first glance look like a rough diamond, on closer inspection have a refined and beautiful cut – albeit somewhat unconventional in places.
The interview with Ralf Minkewitz was conducted on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of JOBLINGE gAG Leipzig this year.
