The ERIEC Career Mentorship Program
Program Overview
The ERIEC Career Mentorship Program is a collaborative effort between the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC), immigrant service providers and corporate partners that bring together skilled immigrants (mentees) and established professionals (mentors) in occupation-specific mentoring.
Occupation specific mentoring for immigrants has proven to be an effective tool in providing access to professional advice and networks that improve access to the labour market. The ERIEC Career Mentorship Program will provide an opportunity for immigrants to gain an understanding of Canadian workplace culture, enhance language skills and professional development and allow for the increase in self confidence while fostering self marketing techniques. Ultimately, the mentorship relationship will provide the opportunity to build professional networks and the knowledge on how to better integrate into the local labour market.
Program Structure
Increasing access to mentoring improves employment opportunities for skilled immigrants, which in turn addresses labour market issues and results in greater value added to the regional economy.
The ERIEC Career Mentorship Program is structured in the following way:
1. ERIEC recruits corporate partners within the Edmonton business sector - Mentors.
2. Partner immigrant serving agencies recruit and screen skilled immigrants - Mentees.
3. Matching of mentors and mentees based on compatibilities in education, work experience, career goals, and
professional affiliations.
4. Separate orientation sessions conducted for mentors and mentees to better prepare them to participate effectively in the
mentorship relationship.
5. Upon successful completion of the orientation, the first meeting between mentors and mentees is facilitated.
The objectives of the program, frequency of and meeting times, boundaries and expectations are reviewed and
negotiated. Once mutual understanding is arrived at, the ERIEC Mentorship Agreement is signed by both the mentor
and mentee.
6. 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.
7. An evaluation survey is completed by both mentor and mentee once the mentorship relationship ends.
8. 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.
9. An awards recognition program for mentor and mentee 'graduates'.