@danderson I have to say, I bounced off Elite Dangerous when I tried it. If I got to do this kind of thing, I think I'd probably give it another go. Though it sounds like you'd need to already have played for quite a while first to have the resources and know-how. If there was on-the-job training I think I'd sign right up. It sounds like fun!
@Hyperlynx ED has a thing named "tele presence" where you can join another crew virtually to help out or ask for a mentor without the need to travel there yourself.
Most just go with a Wing though looking up a group beforehand and since the Odyssey DLC you can walk into a friendly ship too. These "guilds" usually run their own mentoring programs.
@danderson