Applications for mentors and mentees are now open for the 2025 Air Force Mentoring Program.
Managed by Air Force Diversity and Inclusion, this initiative supports eligible aviators by pairing them with mentors across all Air Force backgrounds to guide them in achieving their career goals.
The program aims to build a more inclusive, diverse and empowered team of aviators, celebrating the contributions of Air Force women, First Nations aviators, and culturally and linguistically diverse aviators.
Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds said he was proud of the program's growing popularity.
"Our people are our greatest capability and Air Force is committed to the retention and advancement of all aviators," Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds said.
"I am incredibly proud that this program resonates so strongly and continues to gain momentum.
"The 2024 program reached capacity very quickly with both mentors and mentees and we are expecting the same for 2025."
Launched in 2021, the initiative provides a structured, nine-month program run by the external organisation Art of Mentoring, offering aviators a pathway for personal development, career growth and networking.
'Our people are our greatest capability and Air Force is committed to the retention and advancement of all aviators.'
Art of Mentoring facilitates training through an online portal and webinars to ensure participants are prepared and supported throughout.
Wing Commander Anne Sutherland-Smith, who has been a program mentor for the past two years, has found the program extremely enjoyable.
"I remember how challenging it was to make good decisions about how to progress my career and this program provides a safe space to help mentees clarify their career goals and work towards achieving them," Wing Commander Sutherland-Smith said.
"A great part of the program is that participants are often matched with someone from a different category.
"After mentoring mostly engineers for many years, having an opportunity to work with mentees from other parts of Air Force has extended my own professional knowledge."
For Corporal Hermione Wald, a 2024 mentee, the experience provided an avenue for support and growth.
"Besides the satisfaction of seeing myself progress towards my goals, a highlight was when I realised just how much I had come to value my mentor's input, thoughts and perspective," Corporal Wald said.
"My mentor genuinely wanted me to succeed, which made me appreciate the benefit of having a mentor. There's no pressure, no judgement, just pure goodwill."
'There is great value in giving back to our aviators by being directly involved in their development and I would strongly encourage participation.'
The matching process takes into account professional experience and backgrounds and pairs mentees with mentors at least one rank above them.
Mentors and mentees agree on the frequency of their meetings, with many opting for monthly check-ins.
Warrant Officer David Turnbull, who was a 2024 mentor, highlighted the mutual benefits of the program.
"I see mentoring as an integral part of being a Warrant Officer, be it formally or informally. There is great value in giving back to our aviators by being directly involved in their development and I would strongly encourage participation, it really is worth the effort," Warrant Officer Turnbull said.
The Air Force Mentoring Program has become a foundational part of Air Force's broader efforts to foster an environment of belonging and inclusion, shaping future leaders who reflect the diversity and strength of the entire Air Force community.
Applications for the 2025 program open in December 2024 and all eligible mentees and mentors are encouraged to apply.
More information can be found at DOBC Diversity and Inclusion - Gender Programs.
