Career Mentorship Program
The Career Mentorship program, developed and managed by the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC), offers the Edmonton business community a practical, interactive vehicle for putting the skills and expertise of the global talent in our community to work at levels that reflect the individuals training, education and experience outside Canada.
Mentors help prepare mentees to be more effective in their job search and to improve their job readiness by introducing them to professional networks and providing advice related to their chosen professions. A mentor does not find the mentee a job.
Be a Mentee
Mentees are newcomers who have the language, knowledge and business experience to succeed in the workplace, but need the opportunity to get their foot in the door. A mentee is an individual who wants to work with an experienced individual; seeking information, knowledge, advice and support required to achieve certain career goals.
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Be a Mentor
A mentor is an experienced business professional who shares his or her experience and wisdom to help a career mentee reach important career goals. A mentor provides insights into local employment practices, Canadian workplace culture and market conditions to help a career mentee increase employability, knowledge and networks.
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Program overview
Occupation specific mentoring for skilled newcomers has proven to be an effective tool in providing access to professional advice and networks that improve access to the labour market. The Career Mentorship Program is a collaborative effort between the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC), immigrant service providers and corporate partners that brings together professional newcomers (mentees) and established Canadian professionals (mentors) in occupation-specific mentoring.
The Career Mentorship Program provides an opportunity for professional newcomers to develop an understanding of Canadian workplace culture, build professional networks and gain knowledge on how to better integrate into the local labour market.
Program structure
Increasing access to mentoring improves employment opportunities for professional newcomers, which in turn addresses labour market issues and results in greater value added to the regional economy.
The Career Mentorship Program is structured in the following way:
- ERIEC recruits corporate partners within the Edmonton business sector – Career Mentors.
- Partner immigrant serving agencies recruit and screen skilled immigrants – Career Mentees.
- Matching of mentors and mentees based on compatibilities in education, work experience, career goals, and professional affiliations.
- Separate orientation sessions conducted for mentors and mentees.
- Upon successful completion of the orientation, the first meeting between mentors and mentees is facilitated. The Career Mentorship Agreement is signed by both the mentor and mentee.
- Mentors and mentees work together for a total of 24 hours over a 4 month period. The Mentorship Facilitator provides on-going support throughout the duration of the mentorship relationship as required. The Mentorship Facilitator also contacts the mentor and mentee periodically to monitor the relationship and ensure the set objectives are being reached.
- An evaluation survey is completed by both mentor and mentee once the mentorship relationship ends.
- Mentees meet with the Mentorship Facilitator to conduct a Personal Evaluation so as to establish strengths and weaknesses as well as develop a six month career plan. The Mentorship Facilitator will assist the mentee in accessing employment programs and services offered by partner immigrant serving agencies.
- An awards recognition program for mentor and mentee ‘graduates’.