More than mentoring

Mentors from all backgrounds inspire young people to ask the right questions and seek out answers.

Inspire a generation

‘I wish I had this when I was at school’ is a phrase we often hear from our mentors. This squad of enthusiastic Game Changers donate their time and energy, helping young people to explore, challenge and grow. Whatever your background or skillset, you can coach teams to:

  • Learn new tools and practices
  • Navigate learning resources
  • Prioritise and focus efforts
  • Build relationships and collaborate
  • Absorb your industry experience

Register as a mentor

“Connecting with young people at this age and point in their lives is really important; there was nothing like this when I was their age. I would have loved it. It’s great for them; they can understand what they want to be when they’re older.”

Matt, Mentor and Engineering Apprentice, JCB

Put down that robotics PHD

We don’t expect mentors to be robotics or programming whizzes! Game Changers can come from a variety of backgrounds – from HR to the Automotive industry – what unites them is a passion for inspiring young people.

And don’t worry, we won’t just throw you to the robots. In addition to support from FIRST HQ and your fellow mentors, you’ll also have access to Makerspace – our online learning platform. It’s home to a comprehensive resource library and dedicated modules to help new mentors get up to speed.

FIRST Tech Challenge UK - mentor a team - robotics phd - image 02

Work flexi-time, on and offline

Last year, mentoring went virtual! We connected teams with mentors who could support remotely, as each team adapted to a new way of working. This season, support teams primarily as a virtual mentor – through videoconferencing and emails  – combining the rewards of mentoring with a busy life. And once schools get back to some semblance of normal, we’ll start to reintroduce in-person mentoring, as location and circumstances allow.

Pre-season

From September, new mentors are on-boarded and paired with teams. Talk strategy and work through the basics, helping them build their brand and their confidence.

Build-time

From January, teams focus on design, build, iteration and testing. Lots of challenges to overcome, problems to solve and ideas to test. Help your team find solutions.

Event season

From April, it’s all about getting match-ready. Help your team develop their game strategy and fine-tune their judge’s presentation on the road to robot competition.

Find your dream team

Once signed up, we’ll connect you with a team in need of a mentor, based on your expertise, location and availability. As a virtual mentor, you could be supporting an isolated school from across the country (!) but we’ll always look to place mentors with nearby teams.

Or perhaps you already have a team in mind? Maybe you’re a parent or connected to a nearby school and want to get your own team assembled – encourage them to register online.

Register a team

FIRST Tech Challenge 2019-20 Event Locations

Become a Game Changer

Join the engine of FIRST Tech Challenge UK, donating your valuable time and expertise.  Your real-life experience will help transform young lives, inspiring a generation of STEM innovators.

Register now

  • We build More Than Robots

    We invest in the young people who will invent the future. We’re a tech charity using robots, role models and competitions to equip young people with the technical know-how and soft skills to thrive.