AHRI’s HR Mentoring Program

Guidance that shapes careers

2026 registrations are now closed

Find the connections that shape HR careers.

AHRI’s Mentoring Program connects HR professionals across all stages of their careers to share experience, build confidence and grow together. Whether you’re looking for direction as you take your next step, or you’re ready to give back as a mentor, this structured nine-month program offers the support, relationships and insights to help you thrive.

Join a community of HR professionals who believe in lifting others and see how mentoring can transform not only your career, but the future of HR in Australia.

Why join the program

Mentors

Give back to the HR community by sharing your knowledge and experience with emerging professionals

Build meaningful connections with the next generation of HR talent and future leaders

Reflect on your own growth and gain fresh perspectives through mentoring conversations

Be part of shaping the next generation of HR leadership and strengthening the profession

Earn CPD points and enhance your professional profile with an AHRI-endorsed mentoring experience

Develop your coaching and leadership skills while supporting others to achieve their goals.

Mentees

Gain clarity and confidence in your HR career direction with guidance from an experienced professional

Build meaningful connections with HR mentors and peers who can support your journey for years to come

Join a supportive network of professionals who share insights, challenges and encouragement

Learn practical goal-setting and development skills you can apply directly to your career

Earn CPD points and strengthen your professional credibility with an AHRI-endorsed program

Access structured support through a nine-month program designed to help you set and achieve your goals.

93%

of mentees achieved some or all of their goals through the program (2025)

2026 Program Structure

AHRI has partnered with the Art of Mentoring to deliver our HR mentoring program, which will run from March to November in 2026. Throughout the program, mentors and mentees will have exclusive access to training sessions, supporting resources, and regular mentoring meetings designed to facilitate effective discussions, exchange ideas, and set goals for further development.

Registrations for the 2026 HR Mentoring Program are open from 6 October 2025 and will close on 9 February 2026. Register here.
Once you have registered, all participants will receive an email with instructions on how to complete their online mentoring profile and an online training module before the program commences.

AHRI’s program facilitators, the Art of Mentoring, will map out the information provided in each mentoring profile to inform the best possible pairings, based on experience, skills and learning objectives of participants. All participants will be notified of their 2026 mentor-mentee match on 9 March 2026.

All participants will be invited to and are required to attend the virtual program launch session on Monday 23 March 2026 ADST where the Art of Mentoring will unpack what you can expect from the program, what’s involved in being a mentee and mentor, facilitate introductions across the 2026 cohort, and answer any questions about the program.
After matching is complete and the first program launch has occurred, it is over to the mentees and mentors to organise and kick-off their first mentoring catch-up. Throughout the program, mentors and mentees are expected to be in contact at least once a month. AHRI will send regular emails to support all participants during the program, providing helpful tips and resources for both mentors and mentees.

All 2026 mentors will be invited to a mid-program workshop on Thursday 9 July 2026 to discuss key insights and perspectives from the mentoring journey so far, and seek advice and guidance from the wider cohort.

Mentees will also receive a video guide on best practice to support them in reviewing their progress, goals and making any necessary adjustments for the remainder of the program.

All 2026 participants will have their final structured program sessions upcoming to program close on Tuesday 24 November 2026. While the structured program is coming to an end, it of course does not mean the mentoring relationship needs to as well if both parties wish to continue. After this date all participants will receive a certificate of completion and 32 CPD points in recognition of their learning.

98%

of mentors said they would participate again (2025)

FAQs

AHRI’s Mentoring Program is available for all AHRI members (Graduate Level and above). Mentors must hold an active AHRI membership (Professional level or above), with 5+ years’ experience as an HR professional in Australia.

Not an AHRI member? Sign up today to participate in this program and gain access all other exclusive member benefits for the next 12 months.

Mentees pay $285 inc. GST to participate in the 2026 program. Mentors volunteer their time and are not charged to participate in the program.
Registrations for the 2026 HR Mentoring Program are open from 6 October 2025 and will close on 9 February 2026.
For anyone who wishes to be a mentee for their own development and also believes that they can contribute to others’ development, they are more than welcome to apply for both.
Yes, mentors can opt to have up to two mentees. Mentors should carefully consider the time and commitment needed to mentor before opting to take on a second mentee. It will be up to each pair to establish their own timetables for their one-to-one meetings, which should take place at least monthly throughout the program.
Absolutely! Your participation in the program is confidential, and you will agree how you will handle confidentiality with your mentoring partner, before the program commences.
Mentees and Mentors receive 32 CPD points for completing the program. These points will automatically be applied to your membership profile at the completion of the program.
This is a relationship that is outside the manager – direct report relationship. If a mentee is employed at their mentor’s organisation, the pair will be reassigned to maintain the safe space provided by this relationship.

Can’t find the answer to your question above?

If you need more information on our mentoring program, AHRI’s Member Support Team is here to help guide you on your professional journey.