August 16, 2021
Edinburgh-based technology start-up Udrafter has launched a nationwide student and graduate mentoring programme to help young people into meaningful and secure work in a post-pandemic world.
Founded in 2019 by brothers Luke and Daryll Morrow to link businesses with students for paid work experience, Udrafter offers projects lasting as little as two hours to those that are more long-term.
Now, according to Daryll Morrow – the online platform’s managing director – Udrafter Mentorship introduces an extra layer of support. This comes at a time when vacancies are “hyper-competitive” and the job market for this “vulnerable group of job-seekers” is particularly harsh.
“There is a surplus of job-seekers and a deficit of degree relevant work,” Morrow said. “To stand out from thousands of others you need insights beyond the generic and readily available careers advice. A mentor can provide that.”
Since the free service launched last month, Udrafter mentors have been coaching students on how to adapt to the current job market, sell their skills to employers and create opportunities for themselves, even if a job doesn’t exist yet.
Udrafter also promotes its students directly to employers, helping those at the start of their career rapidly build networks and relationships.
Finance graduate Daniel Neilson said: “In the two years I’ve been a postgraduate, I’ve struggled with the interview stage when trying to get a graduate position. After one session with Udrafter Mentorship and some extra advice via messages I was successful in an interview, using the skills and tools they gave me. I start my dream job in a couple of weeks.”
The programme is one of just six UK initiatives backed by the £3 million Nesta Rapid Recovery Challenge. In partnership with JP Morgan Chase Foundation, the Money and Pensions Service and the Department for Work and Pensions, Nesta aims to improve access to jobs for those hardest hit by the economic impact of COVID-19.
“If you’re finding it hard to get a job, we’re here to help,” said Morrow. “I left university and employers kept telling me I didn’t have enough experience. But I needed those jobs to get the experience. It was a vicious cycle so Luke and I decided to do something about it, and created the original Udrafter platform.
“Mentorship adds another dimension – holding students and graduates accountable to their goals while connecting them with seasoned business expert they’d be unlikely to meet otherwise. They can ask anything, get feedback and soak up advice. Expect an experience that’s insightful, motivating, realistic and specific – topped off with a healthy dose of honesty!”
- UK students and graduates can access Udrafter Mentorship at mentorship.udrafter.com