Past pupil provides sound career advice

David Coates, a former pupil at the Belfast Boys’ Model School in North Belfast, recently returned to school as a mentor on the Northern Ireland Business in Education Partnership (NIBEP).

Mr Coates, who is a Director with Deloitte & Touche in Belfast, has been mentoring pupils from Years 11 and 12 at the school on the NIBEP project which aims to raise pupils’ academic performances through coaching while providing them with sound career advice.

Jim Keith, Principal with the Belfast Boys’ Model School, said: “Mentoring is another strategy aimed at improving pupils’ performance.

“It is also important that the boys are aware of the career choices that are open to them as well as the being well informed about the World of Work.

“The mentor project has been an excellent way to develop links between the school and the local business community."

Jonathan Patton, a Year 12 pupil at the North Belfast school, said: “David has been very encouraging and the pupils on the NIBEP mentor project have found him extremely friendly and easy to talk to.

“He always checks on my progress and we are always working together to improve my grades at school.

“On top of this he has also provided me with plenty of careers advice and I always look forward to our meetings."

(MB)