Applications are now open for MentorHER Cohort 4, Manchester Digital's mentoring programme connecting women at the beginning of their digital and technology careers with experienced professionals across the industry.
Launched to coincide with Ada Lovelace Day, the fourth cohort of MentorHER will run from January to July 2027, delivered through Manchester Digital's DigitalHER programme in partnership with Autotrader.
The six-month programme aims to help women build confidence, develop their professional skills and establish valuable connections as they navigate the early stages of their careers in digital and technology.
Applications are now open for both mentors and mentees, with a deadline of Sunday 8 November 2026.
To apply as a mentor or mentee, click here.
Supporting the next generation of women in tech
Building a successful career in technology is about more than technical skills. Access to professional networks, career guidance and opportunities to learn from others can play an important role in helping people develop and progress.
For women entering the industry, particularly those without established connections in the sector, having access to an experienced mentor can provide valuable insight, encouragement and support.
MentorHER was created to help make those connections possible, bringing together women at different stages of their careers to share experiences, develop confidence and support one another's professional growth.
The programme forms part of Manchester Digital's wider commitment to developing a stronger, more inclusive digital and technology workforce across Greater Manchester.
Through initiatives such as DigitalHER, Manchester Digital works with industry partners to address barriers to participation, create opportunities and help ensure that more people can build sustainable careers in the region's growing tech sector.
Who can get involved?
For mentees
MentorHER is open to women within approximately the first two years of their digital or technology careers.
This includes graduates entering the workforce, those progressing through apprenticeships and career changers who have recently moved into their first technology role.
Mentees are paired with an experienced woman working in the industry, providing an opportunity to explore career goals, build confidence, develop professional skills and gain guidance on navigating the workplace.
For mentors
Manchester Digital is also inviting experienced women working across digital and technology to volunteer as mentors.
Mentors play an important role in supporting emerging talent, sharing their knowledge, offering encouragement and helping mentees understand the opportunities available to them.
Previous mentoring experience is not required, with training and resources provided to support participants throughout the programme.
The programme is inclusive of cisgender and transgender women.
What does the programme involve?
MentorHER Cohort 4 will run from January to July 2027, combining structured one-to-one mentoring with opportunities for training, development and networking.
Participants will benefit from:
- Six months of one-to-one mentoring, with approximately one hour of mentoring each month.
- In-person training and kick-off sessions to help mentors and mentees prepare for the programme.
- Online MentorHER Connect sessions, providing opportunities to engage with the wider cohort.
- A cohort celebration in July, bringing participants together to reflect on their experiences and achievements.
In-person activities will take place in Manchester.
Key programme dates include:
- Wednesday 27 January 2027: Joint programme kick-off and mentee training.
- Thursday 28 January 2027: Mentor training.
- Thursday 8 July 2027: Cohort celebration.
Working together to create opportunities for women in tech
MentorHER is delivered by Manchester Digital in partnership with Autotrader, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting women in technology and helping develop the region's future digital workforce.
By connecting women who are just starting out with those who have established careers in the industry, the programme creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional development and meaningful connections across Greater Manchester's tech community.
It also demonstrates the important role businesses can play in supporting talent development beyond their own organisations, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive technology sector.
Applications are now open
Applications for MentorHER Cohort 4 are open to both mentors and mentees until Sunday 8 November 2026.
Whether you're at the beginning of your digital or technology career and looking for guidance, or you're an experienced professional who would like to support the next generation of women in tech, MentorHER offers an opportunity to get involved.
