Why Should You Join Our Next Cohort?
Are you in the first two years of your career in tech or digital? Are you looking for guidance, inspiration, and someone to help you navigate the next stage of your journey? Or maybe you’re a woman working in tech with experience to share and a desire to support the next generation?
Applications are now open for Cohort 3 of MentorHER, our purposeful peer mentoring programme created by Manchester Digital through our award-winning Digital Her initiative, and we want to hear from you.
Backed once again by our brilliant programme sponsor AutoTrader, MentorHER is about building confidence, creating long-lasting networks, and keeping women in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a mentor, or ready to step into that role yourself, now’s the time to get involved.
The Why
We know that getting more women into tech is only part of the solution. Retention and progression are just as crucial, and the stats don’t lie.
- Women are twice as likely to leave the tech industry compared to men.
- Only 21% of senior roles in tech are held by women.
- 80% of women say they’re dissatisfied with career progression.
This is where MentorHER comes in.
MentorHER was launched in 2022 to help shift these numbers in the right direction, starting with early career support. By connecting women in the first stages of their tech journeys with experienced women in the industry, we’re building a pipeline of strong, supported, and ambitious talent. Since launch, the programme has already delivered over 150 hours of mentoring and engaged 32 businesses across Greater Manchester.
But the real magic is in the relationships. Mentorship is more than advice; it’s community, connection, and the confidence that comes from having someone truly in your corner.
What to Expect
MentorHER is designed to be structured, supportive and sustainable. Here’s what being part of the programme looks like:
- A bespoke matching process to ensure meaningful pairings.
- In-person kick-off and training sessions in Manchester to get you set up for success.
- 6 months of mentoring, shaped by you and your mentor/mentee, with optional online and in-person touchpoints.
- Regular support from the Digital Her team and our sponsor, AutoTrader including informative Connect sessions, one-to-one guidance, and community moments.
- A graduation celebration to mark your journey, share your stories, and hopefully, inspire you to mentor the next wave.
- MentorHER is not about technical skills, we focus on navigating those early years in your tech career as a woman in tech, with soft skills, confidence, and advocacy embedded within the content.
Full training is provided for everyone.
Who Can Apply?
Mentees
- Women (inclusive of cis and trans women)
- In the first 2 years of your career in tech or digital
- Able to travel to Manchester for the in-person sessions
Mentors
- Women (inclusive of cis and trans women)
- No minimum service length – if you have experience, you can share it
- Also able to travel to Manchester for the sessions
You must be available for the following in-person sessions at AutoTraders Manchester city centre office:
- Wednesday 18th June 2025 – All participants
- Monday 23rd June 2025 – Mentees only
- Tuesday 24th June 2025 – Mentors only
What Past Participants Say
“I hope I’ve helped my mentee see that she is more than capable in her role… that she can impact its direction. I believe she’s seen the power that she has to hold the pen and be the writer of her own tech future.”
— Lee Emery, Mentor, Nexer Digital
“This relationship has taught me so much about myself. It’s reinforced the fact that I don’t see my career as ‘me me me’.”
— Mercy Fulani, Mentor, noticed.
Ready to Join?
We’d love to hear from you – whether you’re ready to be mentored, or you’re ready to give back.
👉 Apply for MentorHER Cohort 3
Please feel free to share internally with your networks and colleagues who might be a good fit.
Want to Support Our Mission?
If you’re a community-minded tech company that resonates with our mission, you can have a real and direct impact by sponsoring a future cohort of MentorHER. Get in touch to chat about how to get involved: roxy@manchesterdigital.com
Let’s make meaningful mentorship the norm, and build a stronger, more supportive future for women in tech.