Employers should check out the non-profit Workplace Integration program, which is affiliated with the New Canadians Centre here in Peterborough.

Their mandate is to assist employers in the Peterborough area to attract, hire and retain immigrants, refugees and other newcomers.

They facilitate connections between local professionals who can assist newcomers with informational interviews, mentoring relationships, volunteer placements and work placements. An informational interview is a one-time meeting with one of their clients in which they can ask a professional particular questions related to the field. A mentoring relationship lasts about 4 to 6 months, in which the two parties meet once every 2 or 3 weeks.

As a "mentor", you are not responsible for hiring or finding employment for the client you meet with, but to provide advice and information. More information about the program and being a mentor to a newcomer can be found here.

[Workplace Integration Centre]

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