The Institute of Travel Management (ITM) is continuing to expand its acclaimed Mentoring Programme into 2023 with a new intake of buyer and supplier mentees who have now commenced the 12-month framework.

The Mentoring Programme provides mentees with unparalleled access to leading industry experts in a one-to-one environment to support their career development and personal growth.   The programme is free of charge for ITM ‘Business’ level members. 

The 14 new mentees have been carefully matched with their respective mentors, who are also a mix of ITM buyer and supplier members, via a comprehensive profile pairing process based on their respective skillsets. This creates opportunities for buyer to buyer, supplier to supplier and buyer to supplier mentoring.

The Mentoring Programme forms part of the ITM Community range of initiatives to provide guidance and education to members in a supportive environment, as well as retain and develop talent within the business travel industry

Now in its fourth year, the ITM Mentoring Programme has already successfully matched over 65 mentees across four intakes who have completed the scheme either over one year, or opted to extend for a second year. Mentees from the 2021 and spring 2022 intakes will be eligible to graduate at the ITM Achievement awards ceremony to be held this year in London on  Friday 30^th June.

In a recent survey, 100 per cent of mentees following the 2022 mentoring framework felt that they were well-matched with their respective mentor in regards to their skillset and experience. This was echoed by the 85% per cent that noted the quality of their mentee/mentor pairing as the best part of the programme. All mentees rated the programme as ‘valuable’.

Katie Garrahy, Business Development Manager, SilverDoor, who has completed the mentoring programme commented: “The ITM mentoring programme has genuinely been one of the best things I have ever done. My mentor has helped me develop both personally and professionally. The programme has given me the confidence and drive to fulfil my potential.”

Leanne Fowler, Director of Account Management, Agiito, who is a mentor on the programme said: “The ITM mentoring programme provides a unique opportunity to work with an individual outside your own organisation. It's been wonderful to work with two mentees as part of the programme, celebrate their successes and be a part of their journey.  I can't think of a better way to share the knowledge I have gained over my career and help shine a light on individuals in our sector”

Scott Davies, CEO, ITM commented: “At ITM we are committed to supporting the personal and professional development of our membership community. This is even more important and relevant in 2023 as the business travel industry continues to face service and infrastructure issues due to the challenges of sourcing and retaining staff post pandemic.  Initiatives such as our Mentoring Programme are integral to nurturing talent, helping individuals with their career progression and encouraging them to stay in our industry. We are delighted that the programme is continuing into its fourth year with a further intake of mentees embarking on the framework with their personal mentor.”