Mentoring Programme
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Disability: Mentoring
Page Updated: 24th May 2022
Willing Able Mentoring Programme (WAM)
As part of UCD’s commitment to inclusion, UCD will participate in the Willing, Able, Mentoring (WAM) programme. This programme is run by AHEAD and supports graduates with disabilities in obtaining mentored, paid work placements. This partnership brings graduates with disabilities and WAM’s network of employers together so that both can benefit and learn from each other - the employer will gain from an enthusiastic, skilled employee while the graduate gains work experience relevant to their qualification. UCD’s participation in this programme will provide access to graduates with disabilities to the working environment, help them gain experience and also build the capacity of UCD to integrate disability into the mainstream University environment.
How does WAM work?
WAM holds a database of graduates with disabilities and carry out an initial review of potential candidates for the role based on the job description and provide a long list to UCD. From this long list UCD undertake a shortlisting exercise and interviews are arranged as per normal recruitment procedures. WAM, in conjunction with UCD HR, provide assistance throughout the recruitment and selection process. On appointment WAM also provide mentoring training to an assigned UCD mentor and a needs assessment to identify any supports that the successful candidate may require in carrying out their role.
For more information on the WAM programme and the supports available, please (opens in a new window)refer to the Ahead website.
WAM in UCD
In 2018, UCD Professor Colin Scott, Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, called for Schools and Units to identify a 6-month entry-grade role to be offered to a graduate with disabilities. Following engagement and support from the EDI Unit and Ahead, UCD Registry were the first to implement a pilot and a successful candidate was identified in April 2019. The EDI Unit is reviewing the process and plans to re-introduce WAM in another Unit in 2020.
If you would like more information on WAM in UCD or if you are interested in participating in the WAM programme, please contact the EDI Unit at (opens in a new window)edi@ucd.ie.