Be a Mentor

CompTIA Members and other IT industry professionals who volunteer to mentor an IT-Ready Apprentice know they are helping to give someone new to the field a better chance at success. Mentors don't have to live in the cities where the apprentices work, as mentoring can be virtual or in person. We need a mix of mentor backgrounds so that we can try to make appropriate matches.

Here's how it works:

Fill out the online IT-Ready Mentor Application below, or download the Word version and email it as an attachment to: crobbins@comptia.org.
If you are matched with an IT-Ready Apprentice, you will be notified via email and your information will be sent to that apprentice just prior to them starting their six-month apprenticeship.
Mentors are expected to take part in a short web-based training to learn what is expected and how to be effective.
We will encourage apprentices to connect with their mentor on a regular basis, but there is no requirement of the apprentices that they do so. Just knowing they have someone to turn to can be a huge help.
Mentors are expected to attempt regular communication, to check in by email or phone at least once a month (put it on your calendar!) If you are located in the same city as your apprentice, you have the option to meet in person once a month.
When an apprentice graduates from the program, mentors have the option of re-upping their involvement with another apprentice.
The first groups of apprentices are due to report on the job in Cincinnati and Minneapolis / St. Paul, in July, 2012.

Questions? Contact Colleen Robbins, Director of Development, at (630) 678-8335, or crobbins@comptia.org.

Download the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

Mentor Application


* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Company
* Address:
* City:
* State/Province :
* Postal/Zip Code
* Email:
* Phone
* Number of years in IT industry
* Do you speak any languages other than English?
* Are you a military veteran or the spouse of a veteran?
* Why do you want to be a mentor?
I agree to participate in a training prior to working with my mentee. I also agree to continue the mentee relationship for at least the 6 months during the mentee’s apprenticeship, with the option to continue after the apprenticeship is completed. I will commit to regular contact with my mentee (to be determined by mentor/mentee – at least once per month for 6 months) via phone, email or in person if applicable. I will contact the IT-Ready staff if any problems arise during the mentor period.