WAES and University of Westminster Collaborate on Peer Mentoring Programme

Over a three-week period, Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) partnered with the University of Westminster to deliver an engaging and impactful peer mentoring programme. This initiative brought together Full Stack Web Development learners from WAES and Computer Science students from the university in a series of structured sessions focused on enhancing technical abilities, boosting confidence, and improving career readiness.

Through a mix of group rotations and one-to-one mentoring, university students shared their academic and professional journeys, providing valuable insight into the tech industry. They also introduced AI-powered tools such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, equipping WAES learners with modern resources to support their projects and development.

A key highlight of the programme was the opportunity for WAES learners to present their project ideas to the mentors, receiving constructive feedback and critiques that sharpened both their technical and communication skills. These sessions were instrumental in developing employability skills, as learners engaged in real-world-style presentations and collaborative problem-solving.

Each session concluded with interactive Q&A segments where mentors offered practical advice on job applications, CV writing, and interview preparation, demystifying the transition from education to employment.

The programme was met with enthusiastic praise from both mentors and mentees, culminating in a joint celebration during the WAES graduation ceremony. The collaboration stands as a strong example of how peer-led learning and institutional partnerships can empower adult learners and prepare them for success in the evolving digital landscape.