BRANTFORD (Jan 25, 2012) — The Mentoring Skilled Newcomers program is marking Mentor Appreciation Day on Thursday by thanking individuals and organizations who have encouraged, guided and provided a positive impact on the lives and careers of newcomers in our community.
“Thank you to all the mentors who have enlisted or participated in the Newcomers program,” said Vinesh Bhagat, program coordinator.

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The program is a project of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie that connects foreign-trained professionals with mentors. Mentoring provides newcomers an opportunity to learn about the Canadian workplace culture from an experienced mentor and broaden their professional network in a new community. Mentors, meanwhile, have benefitted from improved communication and leadership skills, as well as broadening their knowledge of diverse global cultures.

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“I am happy to be a part of this process and feel honoured to have the experience of working with my mentee…This is such a wonderful program,” said Jennifer Woodley, a mentor from the Grand Erie District School Board.
Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada-Multiculturalism Program, the Mentoring Skilled Newcomers program has received 50 referrals from Employment Ontario and settlement agencies since the program began in September 2010.
To date, 20 mentoring partnerships have been created with mentors in professions such as teaching, social work, banking, finance, hotel and tourism, statistical research, accounting, geology and engineering. Mentors in the following fields are currently needed: horticulture, geology, hospital management, electrical engineering, mental health, ultrasound technology and corporate training.
To learn more about the Newcomers program or become a mentor, contact the Workforce Planning Board at 519-756-1116 or admin@workforceplanningboard.org   For more information, contact:
Vinesh Bhagat, Program Coordinator, GEIEC, 519-756-1116, x223
vinesh@workforceplanningboard.org
Jill Halyk, executive director, Workforce Planning Board, 519-756-1116, x227 jhalyk@workforceplanningboard.org