OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) industry stakeholders have emphasized the significant role that mentors can play in the successful attraction and retention of female employees in the sector. Today EHRC, with the support of Status of Women Canada and industry partners from across the country, officially launched the Connected Women Mentorship Program.
Connected Women is a national mentorship program designed for women who are either already working in technical and/or trades occupations in the electricity sector, or are studying to enter the industry. By matching mentees with experienced industry professionals over a six-month period the Program aims to increase career entry and advancement opportunities for professional women, while helping organizations solve pending labour shortages and diversify their workforce.
Mentors who take new workers ‘under their wing’ provide support to mentees to gain familiarity with corporate processes and policies, provide guidance and reassurance when it is required and pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of workers. At the same time, mentees engage in reverse-mentoring by providing their mentor with fresh perspectives on the industry and perhaps share information about the latest technology or applications to bridge the gap between employee generations. “It’s a win-win situation”, says Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC.
“Having a mentor you can turn to for guidance and advice about career choices and advancement can make all the difference in getting to the next level” highlights the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women. “Our government is confident the launch of the Connected Women Mentorship Program will further attract and retain women in this industry. We are proud to be a partner with Electricity Human Resources Canada in launching this national mentorship program. It’s going to make a real difference in the careers of many women across the country.”
"Women in the industry face a number of challenges that can affect their participation and advancement, including access to promotions and workplace culture. Mentoring is a powerful way to overcome these challenges. It is relationship-oriented – so although specific skills or competencies may be used as a basis for creating the relationship, its focus goes beyond these areas to include such things as work/life balance, self-confidence, self-perception, and how the personal influences the professional. With the support of women and men already employed in the industry we can help bridge the supply/demand gap for the sector and ensure women are given equal opportunity to access the multiple career opportunities that are available to them.” says Nirav Patel, Director - Human Resources at Ontario Power Generation and Chair of the Connected Women Steering Committee.
The Connected Women Program was developed by EHRC and the Connected Women steering committee, including: Algonquin College, Electrofederation/WESCO, Hydro Ottawa, Hydro One, International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW), Power Workers Union (PWU), Manitoba Hydro, Society of Energy Professionals, and Women in Nuclear.
About Electricity Human Resources Canada
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is Canada’s most trusted source of objective human resources information and tools to help the Canadian electricity industry match workforce supply and demand. EHRC is a not-for-profit organization helping to keep the lights on in Canada by enabling a world-class workforce for the entire electricity industry. EHRC helps to build a better workforce by strengthening the ability of the Canadian electricity industry to meet current and future needs for a highly skilled, safety-focused, diverse and productive workforce. For more information, visit www.ElectricityHR.ca.
