A mentoring initiative led by Zurich employees has delivered benefits for Ramsey Grammar School students, staff and even the company’s customers and business partners.
The Debate Mate programme saw staff from the insurance provider work with UK-based organisation Debate Mate, supported locally by Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
Zurich employees volunteered as mentors and invited customers and brokers to take part.
The scheme brought together 15 Ramsey Grammar School students for a half-day at Zurich House, following two virtual training sessions with volunteers.
Participants included representatives from MAC Group, Chase Wealth Solutions, Barclays, LMS Partners and IQ-EQ.
Confidence
The programme aims to build self-confidence and communication skills through a ‘reverse mentoring’ model. Students share insights with professionals, while adults offer careers advice.
Zurich Isle of Man employees Stephanie Hatton, Breeshey Rough, Nicola Cain, Robert Kennish, and Sophie Christian took part.
Stephanie Hatton, IFA Corporate Benefits Executive at Zurich Integrated Benefits, said: “We were proud to join forces with Debate Mate and Junior Achievement Isle of Man for our first Debate Mate Boardroom to Classroom volunteering initiative at Zurich House.
“Through interactive debates, real world career conversations at Zurich House – plus a brilliant pitch activity around financial resilience – young people shared their skills and views with our volunteers. In return, our volunteers offered an insight into the world of work. That’s an example of reverse mentoring magic in action!”