This part-time blended online self-study, and local in-person mentorship program aims to provide no-cost career mentorship and Canadian cultural learning opportunities to immigrants living in rural Alberta communities.
Over the course of several weeks, mentees will review online materials, articles, activities, and assignments related to key program topics including:
- Canadian Culture in the Workplace
- Communication and Soft Skills
- Digital Literacy
- Career and Employment Strategies
- Teamwork, Collaboration & Problem Solving
- Community Connections
Participants are matched with a volunteer mentor living in their community and meet with their mentor regularly to further discuss or clarify key program topics.
Participants learn the “soft skills” (communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, problem solving, work ethic, time management, and teamwork) that have been identified as important by Canadian employers. Upon completion of the program, participants often describe having improved skills, knowledge, and confidence to communicate more effectively in their Canadian workplaces.
Time commitment:
- Duration of the program: 16 weeks
- Mentee: approx. 16 – 18 hours online, 12 – 16 hours in-person
- Mentor: approx. 8 hours online, 12 -16 hours in-person
What previous participants think about this program
“This program boosted my confidence and belief in myself in terms of excelling in my work environment.”
- Former mentee
“With enrolling in this program, I did not only improve my communication skills at my workplace. I also gained a lot of confidence. This program is a valuable contribution to the integration of newcomers to the Canadian workplace and to the Canadian society in general.”
- Former mentee
“What I loved about the program was the personal connection I had with my mentee. We kept an open non-judgmental space where we could both share our experiences at workplaces in Canada.”
- Former mentor
“The quality of the program material is impressive. The online content is comprehensive, engaging and explains Canadian workplace in a way that makes sense to the mentees.”
- Former mentor
Eligibility criteria:
Mentee applicants:
- Must be immigrants who are legally able to work in Canada:
- Permanent Residents
- Refugees
- Ukrainians under the Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel or CUAET emergency visa program
- Canadian Citizens
- Intermediate English language skills (approximately level 5 CLB or higher)
- Must live in rural Alberta (anywhere in Alberta excluding Calgary or Edmonton).
- Ideally, have completed some post-secondary education and/or have related work experience in their field or chosen occupation.
Mentor applicants:
- Are committed and open to helping newcomers
- Have Canadian work experience
- Have access to a computer
To apply to be a mentee, complete your application here: ruralmentorship.bowvalleycollege.ca/mentee
To apply to be a mentor, complete your application here: ruralmentorship.bowvalleycollege.ca/mentor
For more information, please email: ruralmentorship@bowvalleycollege.ca
Phone: 587 393 3144
Funded by:
