CREST Awards are designed to bridge the classroom and the workplace. CREST Mentors join us to help develop Silver and Gold level projects and give students a taste of ‘real world’ science and engineering.

What is a Mentor?
CREST Mentors might be involved in industry or academia. It's a flexible approach that brings project-relevant expertise from outside the school to the student's work.

The involvement of a Mentor is recommended for CREST Silver Awards. At CREST Gold Awards the involvement of a Mentor is compulsory.

What do Mentors do?
No two projects are the same. A CREST Mentor might:

·        Provide expert information or be a point of access for specialist knowledge or techniques

·        Help your student develop their ideas or guide them as they examine their results

·        Arrange relevant work experience or an industrial visit

·        Mentors also help with project assessment and with the completion of the CREST Profile Form.

How does it work?
Here are a couple of examples of what the Mentoring process might look like:

Information and guidance: A Mentor visits a school. They discuss a student’s project, share information and develop ideas and leads. Further advice is given through email exchanges. At the end, the student presents their data to the Mentor and discusses the outcomes.

Work placements: A student spends four weeks working alongside their Mentor – a PHD student. They learn how to use equipment and about experimental practice. The student even carries out experiments independently at some level.

Looking for a CREST Mentor?

Contact your local CREST coordinator – they will arrange a suitable mentor from the STEM Ambassadors scheme or with Researchers in Residence.

Want to be a CREST Mentor?
Contact your local CREST coordinator – they will put provide support, advice and link you with a suitable school/ student. Download the PDF flyer (in the right column of this page) for more information.

Want to Judge at a CREST event?

Click HERE to find out more.