Mentoring Program for New Immigrants

We have all had mentors – people who have helped us to learn, grow and challenge ourselves. A mentor can be a vital resource for skilled immigrants to Canada, who often lack an effective professional network upon their arrival in a new city, as well as an understanding of Canadian workplace culture and employer expectations. 

KEYS Job Centre, in partnership with Kingston Immigration Partnership, has recently launched a professional mentoring program which aims to address these challenges by formalizing connections between immigrants and established local professionals. This partnership builds on the success of similar programs that have been established across the country, tapping into a Pan-Canadian network of mentoring programs.

It is vital to the economy of Kingston that employers actively integrate immigrants into the local labour market. Participants in the program have the education, experience and language skills to succeed in their new community. What they need are the local insights and access to professional networks that only a one-to-one professional connection with a mentor can offer.

Individual mentors also greatly benefit from their participation. They gain leadership experience and cross-cultural skills and awareness, as well as community exposure for their business or organization. Most significantly, perhaps, they are given the opportunity to make a positive impact on the life of a newcomer to Canada, helping to open doors and build social capital in Kingston.

Source: KEYS Job Centre