SETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES ORGANIZATION

360 James Street North, LIUNA STATION-Lower Concourse, Hamilton, ON L8L 1H5

  Tel: (905) 667-SISO    Toll Free: 1-877-255-8136      Fax: (905) 521-9216    
  Email: siso@siso-ham.org                                    http://www.siso-ham.org

Finalist for 2004 & 2006 Outstanding Business Achievement Award
 

Mentoring Program

for Internationally-Trained Engineers

What is it?
Mentoring is an effective way of providing internationally-trained Engineers with guidance and advice to pursue their professional engineering license and to access information, resources and professional networks within their sectorswhile providing managers, supervisors and organizations with an opportunity to explore recruitment opportunities and meet their staffing needs.

Why a Mentoring Program?

• Assist internationally-trained Engineers to obtain their P.Eng license
• Workplace culture – the art of getting things done is different in other countries
• Networks & Social Capital – access to employment is highly dependent upon personal and professional networks
• Information: understanding how skills, experience and education in other countries relate to Canadian workplace  

 Program Objectives

• Increase number of  licensed internationally-trained Engineers
• Increase employment prospects by matching skilled immigrants with their Canadian counterparts in the same occupation
• Building social capital through links and relationships created by Mentoring
• Increase access of internationally-trained individuals to value added services
• Change the way companies and employers relate to skilled immigrants  

Who are the Mentees?
Mentees are internationally-trained Engineers, legally entitled to work in Canada, and who:

• Are currently pursuing licensure with PEO
• Are job ready: high degree of functionality in English;  education credentials assessed; has a job-ready resume; is well prepared to function within a Canadian workplace
• Do not have prior exposure to a Canadian work setting in their field
• Lack access to professional networks
• Are highly motivated and open to learning opportunities

Who are the Mentors?
People who have a combination of knowledge and business experience to bring wisdom as a guide/coach to a learning process:

• Share information on PEO Licensing process
• Share insights related to Canadian workplace values & culture
• Provide access to professional networks
• Provide coaching for interviews and meetings
• Share information on current workplace & industry trends

Mentor Responsibilities:

• Commits to 6 hours/month for a period of  3-4 months
• Acquaints the Mentee with Licensing process and the Canadian workplace culture
• Shares industry/sector contacts and knowledge
• Helps the Mentee gain self-confidence, learn about workplace and culture, set learning goals
• Guides the Mentee to access employment or educational opportunities within the field

Support for Mentors

• Orientation session: prior to the start of the program, covers the basics of mentoring
• Networking sessions: share useful strategies, information and resources
• Ongoing support and follow-up from SISO staff

           
Benefits for Mentors/Professional Development Value of Mentoring

• Better understanding of cultural diversity
• Building cross-cultural competence
• Community leadership profile
• Learning about other countries and cultures
• Learning how their occupation is different in other countries
• Expand personal network

Next Steps

• Register as a mentor by completing the Registration Form
• Mentors and mentees attend a Selection Interview

• Mentors and mentees attend Orientation Session
• Mentors and mentees are matched and identify 3 priorities to be addressed during the program
• Mentors and mentees meet for 1-2 hours/week over 3-4 months to achieve the priorities/goals identified