SA - Career Foundations Emerging Planner Mentoring

2026/27 Program

About the Career Foundations Program

We understand the immense value of having someone to guide you in your career journey, someone who can provide insights and support outside of your organisation. This is particularly important when you're early in your career, learning the ropes of the profession and starting to build your connections across the industry.

The right mentor can be a sounding board, a guide, and a catalyst for growth. And the right mentee? Someone who challenges you to reflect, share, and give back to the profession.

Our complimentary mentoring program for PIA members pairs passionate emerging planners with experienced professionals in the field, sparking meaningful relationships that build confidence, expand networks, and strengthen the planning community.

The program is designed with one goal in mind: pair ambitious emerging planners with experienced mentors who can help our planners excel.

Ready to get involved?

Applications Open

Applications for the 2026/27 program are still open for MENTORS ONLY. Apply now.

Apply now

Key dates

Below are the milestone dates for the 2025/26 program in SA to have on your radar.

Applications open	Monday 25 May 2026
Applications close	Mentees: Monday 22 June 2026 Mentors: Monday 29 June 2026
Launch event	5pm-7pm Wednesday 8 July 2026

Why join a mentoring program?

For mentees

You’re building your career, and it’s normal to have questions, doubts or big dreams with no roadmap. A mentor can help you navigate it all.

Benefits include:

Real-world insights from experienced professionals
Personalised career guidance
Expanded professional network
Boosted confidence and skills
Encouragement when it matters most

Applications now closed for 2026/27

For mentors

You’ve got knowledge to share and someone out there is ready to learn from you. Mentoring is a powerful way to reflect, give back, and grow.

Benefits include:

Contribute to the future of the planning profession
Build leadership and communication skills
Earn CPD points
Strengthen your own understanding through teaching
Experience the reward of making a real difference

Apply to become a mentor

Eligibility

This Mentoring Program is open to PIA members only.

Mentees: You’re either a current student, a recent graduate, or a planner with up to 5 years of experience.
Mentors: You’re an experienced planner ready to share your insights and give back to the profession.

Program commitment

Mentors and mentees commit to:

Meeting regularly at least once a month for an hour over a 12-month period.

Attending program launch and networking events (optional but encouraged!).

How it works

You’ll complete a short application and survey outlining your interests, goals, and experience.

We’ll then carefully match you with someone who aligns with your professional journey.

Applications Open

Applications for the 2026/2027 Mentoring Program are now open for MENTORS ONLY. Get started below.

Apply to be a Mentor

For all enquiries, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Handbook

The Mentoring Program Handbook is a helpful guide for both mentors and mentees with resources and information on how to structure your mentoring year together.

Download Handbook here