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For many young people and adults across the Island, navigating education, work and personal wellbeing can feel overwhelming. That’s where Skills Jersey’s Skills Mentors come in – and for Lauren Byrne, it’s a role built on empathy, encouragement and a genuine passion for helping people realise what’s possible for their future and achieving those goals.
Lauren spends her working days out in the community, meeting students and clients where they are – literally and figuratively. One moment she might be in a secondary school supporting a pupil who’s unsure of their next step; the next she may be meeting an apprentice in their workplace or talking to a young person who isn’t currently in education or employment. Her caseload also includes adults studying part-time or completing university degrees alongside work.
A job built on connection
A “typical day” doesn’t really exist for Lauren, but the heart of her work remains constant: supporting people to identify their skills and strengths, set meaningful goals, and map out the steps to achieve them. Sometimes this involves helping someone understand what opportunities exist; other times it means talking through challenges, helping them manage their wellbeing, or being an impartial voice when decisions feel heavy.
Lauren also works closely with other professionals – from teachers and social workers to employers and tutors – to ensure each young person’s needs are understood. “I attend and contribute to various meetings to make sure the young person’s voice is heard and they’re receiving the right support,” she explains. With adult clients, she monitors progress and helps them express any concerns or request additional help if needed.
Making everyday life better for Islanders
Mentors make sure every student is heard and supported – and that they know someone is firmly in their corner
Having someone to talk to – especially someone separate from school, family or employer – can make a world of difference. Lauren sees that every day. “A mentor helps students through challenges and celebrates their wins,” she says. By encouraging clients to explore what they enjoy, identify what they’re good at and understand their options, she helps them begin shaping a future they feel excited about.
A key part of her work is advocacy. Many young people feel overwhelmed expressing their needs; others feel unseen. Mentors make sure every student is heard and supported – and that they know someone is firmly in their corner.
A passion-driven path into public service
Lauren’s journey into public service began with a personal motivation: to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She has spent almost a decade volunteering and working with the Jersey Youth Service, and when a mentoring role for apprentices opened seven years ago, she took the leap.
Since then, she’s supported countless apprentices through qualifications, guided young people aged 16–25 through the Traineeship Programme, and helped students progress into employment, education or other services. Today, she works mainly with young people aged 15–25 – some in school, some not in education or employment – while still mentoring a number of adults. Her enthusiasm for her role remains clear: “Meeting all my amazing students and seeing them succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
Growing through helping others grow
Working as a mentor has shaped Lauren personally as much as professionally. She describes becoming more empathetic, more open to understanding different life experiences, and more aware of the importance of validating others’ feelings.
Her work has also strengthened her own sense of accountability – she supports clients to make progress on their goals, so she holds herself to the same standard. Recently stepping into a senior mentor role, she now also supports her colleagues, sharing knowledge and ideas drawn from her years of experience.
Creating positive futures, one student at a time
Lauren has seen firsthand the powerful difference mentoring makes – especially for young people disengaging from education towards the end of compulsory schooling.
Without support, many may leave school feeling lost or unsure of their next step. But with the help of Lauren and her team, these students stay on track. Mentors arrange insight visits to colleges and workplaces, helping students build confidence, meet people and get comfortable in new environments before they start. For many, this gentle introduction becomes the turning point that transforms uncertainty into hope.
The challenges behind the scenes
Not every young person is ready to engage with mentoring straight away
Not every young person is ready to engage with mentoring straight away. As a voluntary service, the decision to take part lies entirely with the mentee. Lauren admits this can be tough: “Sometimes you see the potential for really good work, but if it’s not the right time for them, you have to step back until they’re ready.”
What keeps her motivated
For Lauren, the answer is simple: her mentees and her team.
She works alongside mentors who inspire her daily. “They put so much time and effort into their mentees, and every single one cares deeply,” she says. She describes the whole Skills Jersey team as supportive, dedicated and driven by the same purpose – to help people thrive.
And, of course, there are the students. Watching someone achieve a goal or take a small but meaningful step toward a positive future is, for Lauren, the best reward of all.
Advice for future public servants
For anyone considering a career in public service, Lauren’s advice is heartfelt: choose a path where you can make a positive impact. “You spend so much time at work – doing something you find value in is so important,” she says.
Listening without judgement, creating safe spaces, and empowering people to believe in themselves lie at the core of meaningful public service. And, as Lauren’s story shows, the impact can change lives.
