EHRC’s Connected Women Mentorship Program for Women in Electricity Industry Goes Live

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.

Contacts

Electricity Human Resources Canada
Michelle Branigan, (613)
235-5540; ext. 235
[email protected]
or
Media
Relations:
The DFI Group
David Finkelstein, (416)
300-4150
[email protected]