University launches Chester Exchange 2026 Career Mentoring Programme

The University of Chester has welcomed students, graduates, alumni mentors, employers and regional partners to Chester Town Hall for the inaugural Chester Exchange 2026 Career Mentoring programme. 

The pilot initiative, funded through the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF), brought together 28 mentors from a wide range of sectors with 28 University of Chester students and graduates. The programme aims to support career development, strengthen regional talent pipelines and encourage graduate retention within the local economy. 

Developed in partnership with the Cheshire & Warrington Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), Chester Exchange aligns with the University’s Citizen Student Strategy, creating inclusive and accessible employability opportunities for students and graduates from diverse backgrounds. 

The Chester Town Hall event formed the centrepiece of the three-stage mentoring programme, which combines initial introductions, in-person networking and ongoing follow-up sessions to encourage reflection and action planning. During the event, participants took part in structured mentoring conversations and group networking activities, exploring a wide range of topics including career transitions, non-linear career pathways, applications and interviews, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, workplace expectations, confidence building and professional development. 

The programme also provided a supportive environment for open discussion of the often ‘invisible’ barriers that can affect career progression. Students and graduates shared experiences including returning to work after a career break, balancing personal circumstances, navigating uncertainty and managing changing career ambitions. 

A key feature of Chester Exchange is its emphasis on two-way knowledge exchange. While students and graduates benefited from insight into different industries and career journeys, mentors and employers gained a deeper understanding of student aspirations and the challenges facing emerging talent in today’s labour market. 

Participant feedback highlighted the value of open, honest conversations and the opportunity to form meaningful professional connections beyond traditional recruitment processes. 

Following the success of the pilot, the University of Chester plans to expand Chester Exchange in the next academic year, offering further opportunities for collaboration between students, graduates and regional employers. 

Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Chester, said: “It was inspiring to see students, graduates, alumni mentors and employers come together to share experiences, ideas and opportunities for the future. Our students continue to impress us with their ambition, openness and willingness to learn, while our mentors generously gave their time, expertise and honest insight to help shape confidence and future direction. 

“Mentoring is about far more than careers advice. It’s about building relationships, broadening perspectives and helping people feel more confident navigating an increasingly complex world of work. From discussions around changing career pathways and AI to conversations about career breaks and overcoming invisible barriers to progression, the value of these connections cannot be underestimated. 

“By bringing together students and regional employers, Chester Exchange creates meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange, strengthens connections between education and industry, and supports the development and retention of local talent. We are excited to build on the success of this pilot programme in the next academic year.”