NWPB’s Immigrant Mentorship Program helps Niagara’s newcomers make important connections with other professionals in the local workforce. With the practical guidance and cultural insights that our established local mentors provide to their internationally trained mentees, finding meaningful employment and integrating more smoothly as new community members becomes a much easier and less lonely journey.
One of our mentees, Muhammad Anees, recently had fantastic success within the program. Working with his mentor, Blake Landry, he was able to make the local connections he needed in order to showcase his skills and work ethic, which led to him finding a new job in manufacturing. Blake told us a bit about their process, and how Anees successfully utilized what he’d learned and the new connections he’d made to find new and meaningful employment here in Niagara:
Anees and I thought about ways to get him engaged with manufacturing companies in Niagara as a way to build up his resume with local experience and to gain local business contacts. There are often hidden opportunities in the local job market, so this was a good way to get the word out. I sent out an email to the NIA member businesses and included Anees’ resume, stating that he was looking for a volunteer opportunity with a manufacturing company to gain Canadian experience. Bob Benner of Hamill Machine followed up on the email and contacted Anees for a meeting. They met and it was a good fit for both, so Anees was offered a position.
Thanks to the local knowledge and connections provided by his mentor, and his own willingness to learn, adapt, and find opportunities to show his skills, Anees is now employed as a Project Manager at Hamill Machine.
Anees’ mentorship experience and his success in finding employment in his field of expertise is a testament to his resourcefulness and enthusiasm for the program. His keen professionalism led to great outcomes for both Anees and his employer. We spoke with him about his experience, to hear in his own words what he took away from the Mentorship Program and what he recommends to other newcomers hoping to find their own path to prosperity.
1. What brought you to NWPB’s mentorship program?
I was looking for resources for improving my understanding of the practical culture of Canada, improving my professional networking skills, and adapting to my new living and working environment. Of course, I was also looking for work opportunities. After meeting with Josie, I became more confident and hopeful for my future in Canada.
2. What personal goals were you hoping to accomplish through the program?
My personal goal was to learn about the living and working culture of Canada. As newcomer, I was not clear on the way forward when it came to adapting to my new community. My other objective was professional networking. I achieved both goals. I also got superb advice for shaping my resume to appeal to Canadian employers. The best part is that I got a good job at a good level because of this program and my mentor.
3. What skills did your mentor help you develop?
My mentor gave me confidence and hope, guided me on the softer skills like communication and leadership skills, and encouraged flexibility in my mindset, encouraging me to apply for jobs in the Manufacturing sector. This was what helped me get a job.
4. What did you learn from your mentor? How did he help?
Hope for the best! And self-confidence.
5. What kinds of changes have taken place or begun in your life since you started with the mentorship program?
After joining the program, I’ve started to feel a sense of belonging, and that I have good friends in the Niagara region. I decided to make the Niagara region my permanent home; even before I got the job.
6. What advice would you give a new Canadian starting in this program, and would you recommend it to others?
This is the best program I have ever attended in my life. When you take this program, please take its process, your mentor, and the plans and progress seriously. Do not expect that this program will directly get you a work placement, but it will help you in almost all aspects of your life. The success of this program is because of presence of a super mentoring coach and super mentors. My mentor has really done his best in helping with my integration and inclusion into Canadian society.
Are you interested in NWPB’s Immigrant Mentorship Program? We invite you to connect with Josie to learn more about how we’re working to foster a more inclusive Niagara.