Halton Mentoring Partnership Program

The Halton Mentoring Partnership Program had a recognition event to honour those who help recent immigrants transition their skills into Canada.

 

It was held at the Halton Regional Centre cafeteria March 22.

 

“It’s nice to stop, and thank people for their efforts, and I think that’s what this evening is about. I have been privileged to be able to be involved as a mentor. I often say that I benefit more greatly as a mentor, than I think my mentee benefits from me, because I learn so much about the experience of newcomers, and the challenges that I wouldn’t even think about them confronting,” said Sheridan President Jeff Zabudsky at the event.

 

The Mentoring Partnership is only one program of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC).

 

TRIEC’s purpose is to find solutions to better integrate skilled immigrants into the right jobs more quickly.

 

“The Mentoring Partnership continues to be the number one solution that we’ve put forward. We hear it over and over again and we see it in the evidence of what comes from the program,” said TRIEC’s Executive Director, Elizabeth McIsaac, at the event.

 

In 2006, the program was incorporated into Sheridan, as the school recognized the need for it.

 “Sheridan really has become a destination for newcomers, for both, those who are landed, as well as increasingly international students. We’ve grown over the last few years from 500 students who are studying with us on Visa, to 2,600 in just over two years. So it’s been remarkable growth,” said Zabudsky.

 

Halton region itself is one of the fastest growing regions not only in Ontario, but also in all of Canada.

 

“For the past three years, Halton region has been named one of Canada’s best employers for new Canadians. What makes the Halton Mentoring Partnership Program such a success are the mentors who share their valuable advice, expertise, and of course, their contacts. The bond between the mentor and the mentee is not only professional, but you get to know one another on a personal basis,” Regional Chair Gary Carr told the audience.

 

The Mentoring Partnership connects professionals in Canada with skilled immigrants to help them develop their networks, job search strategies, workplace culture, and the Canadian context of their profession.

“I don’t know the job expectations in Canada, and my mentor is the one person who can explain to me how it works and help me in preparations for interviews and jobs. I told him what I am interested in, and he showed me what I am applicable for,” said mentee Muhammad Umar before the event.

Recognition certificates were awarded to mentors in the program, as well as flowers for the volunteers.