By rdnewsNOW Staff

Province launches grant to help mentor newcomers for success in Alberta’s workforce

Jan 14, 2022 | 2:19 PM

The provincial government says funding of $1 million is now available to help newcomers access mentorship opportunities to build their careers and further diversify Alberta’s economy.

The Alberta Immigrant Mentorship Innovation Grant supports organizations in delivering career mentorship programs that help newcomers find meaningful employment based on their work experience, education and skills.

By matching newcomer professionals with mentors, officials say new Albertans can establish professional connections that help them find meaningful employment and strengthen Alberta’s workforce.

“Newcomers often face challenges when trying to build professional connections and an understanding of workplace culture in Canada. Through this support, newcomers will build relationships with professional mentors who can help them increase their employability while helping Alberta businesses access the skills and talent they need to be successful,” explains Tyler Shandro, Minister of Labour and Immigration.

Officials say the Immigrant Mentorship Innovation Grant is part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan to remove barriers so newcomers can bring their entrepreneurial drive and skills to Alberta to start new businesses and help employers address labour shortages.

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“Mentors can play a key role in helping newcomers understand how their professional skills and experience can be applied in a Canadian context. I encourage organizations to apply for this funding to help more newcomers get to work in jobs that support economic growth across our province,” adds Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Eligible organizations can apply until Feb. 14. Grant funding will be provided for up to three years, from April 2022 to March 2025, to ensure organizations can provide long-term mentorship opportunities to newcomers.

Quick facts

• Applications to the grant program will be open until noon on Feb. 14.
• The funding agreement spans three years, from April 2022 to March 2025.
• Eligible organizations include immigrant-serving organizations, professional regulatory organizations, non-profit organizations, industry and professional associations, post-secondary institutions and employers.