National Mentor Development Program 2025: (Deadline 25 July, 2025)

Applications are open for the National Mentor Development Program 2025. The National Mentor Development Program’s primary aim is to empower women and gender-diverse individuals within the trades by equipping them with valuable mentorship skills. This program also strives to establish a strong support network that offers coaching and showcases positive role models. The goal of the program is to enhance the retention and career advancement opportunities for women in the trades through creating effective mentors and, subsequently, mentorship relationships.

Program Overview

Individuals enrolled in the National Mentor Development Program will participate in five modules and engage in group discussions facilitated by subject matter experts and tradeswomen coaches. These coaches will provide valuable guidance for overcoming workplace challenges, especially pertaining to developing effective mentorship relationships. Additionally, program participants will benefit from personalized one-on-one coaching to address their specific needs and will have access to online materials on mentoring, including giving and receiving constructive feedback. This program will help to empower women and gender diverse individuals to become effective mentors and future leaders in the skilled trades.

There are 5 modules that will take place throughout the program.

• Mentorship vision: Setting the course
• Crafting Connection: Building Strong Mentorships
• Navigating Dialogue: Effective Mentorship Communication
• Wellness and Work: Fostering a Supportive Environment
• Passing the Torch: Knowledge, Careers and Celebrations

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, participants will be equipped with:

• Enhanced mentoring and teaching abilities for supporting apprentices and peers in the trades.
• The skills to engage in formal or informal mentorship within their unions, organizations, or broader skilled trades communities.
• Access to a supportive peer network that will increase retention and career advancement opportunities for women and gender-diverse individuals in the trades sector.

Graduates of the National Mentor Development Program will be ready to use their newly acquired skills in various environments, such as:

• Formal on-site mentorship of apprentices.
• Informal mentorship of apprentices or peers.
• Leadership roles within unions and the trades community.

Eligibility

• Women and gender diverse individuals in the final year of their apprenticeship or who are certified journey persons may apply.
• They recognize the distinct barriers faced by women and gender-diverse people from multiply-marginalized backgrounds in accessing this type of training. Those from diverse backgrounds (who are newcomers, identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+, have a disability, or who are Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour) are especially encouraged to apply.

Application

Submit before July 25, 2025. The next cohort will begin in September 2025.

For more information, visit National Mentor Development Program.