Mentorship for skilled newcomers in Canada​

MentorChats matches Windmill Microlending clients with professionals in their field to gain insights into working in Canada. ​

How MentorChats works ​

Windmill pairs you with a skilled newcomer (a Windmill client) for a one-time career-
focused virtual coffee chat. The chat is designed to fit your busy schedule and focuses
on Canadian workplace culture and today’s job market. Your mentoring helps Windmill
clients rebuild their careers in Canada. ​

Start with one chat

Windmill matches skilled newcomers with mentors in the same industry, so they can connect, learn and move their career forward in Canada.

Share practical insights

Mentors share job search tips, résumé and cover letter feedback, interviewing and networking advice.

Meet again or get a new match

Mentors and mentees can continue to meet again to share more insights. Or they can request a new match to expand their networks further.​

Who can mentor?

Mentors are professionals across industries with experience in their field and insight into the Canadian workplace and job market. ​

Mentors should have at least two years of Canadian work experience. We currently have a high need for healthcare mentors.

Who can receive mentorship?

Mentees are Windmill clients (internationally trained professionals in a broad range of industries, such as healthcare, trades and STEM) who are working toward recredentialing in Canada or making a career change.

If you’re a Windmill client looking for mentorship, sign up on the Community Success Hub.

Ready to mentor?

Enrolment takes about 10 minutes​

1

Fill out the short form below.​

2

Create your account on the Windmill Community Success Hub – our MentorChats portal. ​

3

Complete a short questionnaire so we can match you with the right Windmill client. After you submit, our MentorChats team will review and approve your profile.​

Sign up to mentor a skilled newcomer​

If you’re a Windmill client looking for mentorship, sign up on the Community Success Hub.

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Hear from MentorChats participants​

Ilana, Clinical Assistant

Windmill mentee

Through the Windmill Mentorship Program, I was able to connect with Dr. Liptay, who has been amazing—empathetic and very approachable. With her support, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a family practice clinic, where I've been exposed to primary care alongside a wonderful team of family doctors, including professors from McMaster. Dr. Liptay has also been giving me great advice and guidance in my path to licensure. It has truly been an incredible experience.

Suhila, Medical Office Assistant

Windmill Mentee

My mentorship with Irene through Windmill was truly inspiring. She guided me with patience, clarity, and practical advice that helped me grow both professionally and personally. Our conversations built my confidence, sharpened my communication skills, and gave me valuable insight into the Canadian workplace culture. I’m deeply grateful for the support and encouragement she provided."

Nardos, Operations Manager

Windmill Mentor

Through the Windmill mentorship program, I’ve learned that mentees bring incredible potential and experience that can greatly enhance our nation’s productivity. To anyone considering becoming a mentor, do it! There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone succeed and achieve their vision with your support."

Eva, Property Administrator

Windmill Mentee

As a newcomer, I was eager to connect with someone who understood the Canadian workplace culture and could guide me in navigating my career path into real estate. I am very grateful to the Windmill Mentorship Program for connecting me with my mentor, who gave me valuable advice and introduced me to other real estate professionals. The program helped me refine my career goals, improve how I present myself, and build the confidence to apply for roles that align with my skills and ambitions."

Preetha, Head of Real Estate Finance and Reporting at Manulife

Windmill Mentor

Seeing [my mentee’s] growth and celebrating her achievements has been incredibly meaningful. Mentoring reminds me of my own professional path and reinforces my confidence in how far I’ve come. It’s truly a two-way exchange.”

Hazel, Senior Manager, Business Process Re-Engineering, Scotiabank

Windmill Mentor

I began volunteering as a mentor for Windmill Microlending in 2024, inspired by their mission. I understand the challenges newcomers face in navigating a new country and workforce as I am, too, an immigrant, and I wanted to offer my experience, expertise and support to help them overcome these obstacles."

Julianna, Career Coach

Windmill Mentor 

Most people think that only the mentee benefits from mentorship but it’s not true! I do a lot of work as a mentor because I’ve been fortunate in my opportunities and want to help others facing challenges I never had to."

Seun, Pharmacist

Windmill Mentor

The Windmill loan was the step that made the licensing process possible for me. I wanted to give back. That's why I said yes to participating in the mentorship program."

MentorChats impact​

25+

Industries represented

5,232

Hours donated by mentors since 2019 to drive professional success

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mentee?

A mentee must be an existing Windmill client. They are skilled immigrants participating in MentorChats to gain practical insight into Canadian workplace culture and today's job market. They connect with professionals who have two or more years of Canadian work experience.

I am a Windmill client seeking mentorship. Will I only be matched with a mentor once?

 It is completely up to you. After connecting with your mentor, you are welcome to be matched with new mentors in future months to expand your professional connections over time. Simply let us know by responding to the end-of-program survey we send at the end of your MentorChats cohort. We suggest meeting with three to five mentors to get the most out of the program, but there is no limit to the number of meetings you can have.

I am a mentor. Will I only be matched with a mentee once?

We aim to match mentors with a mentee each month. Matches depend heavily on mentee demand and availability across different fields. If you decide to step away from mentoring, please let our team know by unchecking the “open to help” box on your profile and informing us through the Community Success Hub chatbox or by emailing mentorship@teamwindmill.org.

I signed up but haven’t been matched yet. What should I expect?

Thank you for your patience. We always try to match everyone each month, but sometimes this takes a little longer because we serve clients across a wide variety of professional sectors. If a match is not immediately available, we will do our absolute best to pair you up in the next MentorChats cohort.

I’m interested in becoming a mentor, but I’m not sure if I qualify.

We usually look for mentors with at least two years of Canadian work experience, but this is not a strict requirement. If you live in Canada, are passionate about supporting others and have valuable industry insight to share, we encourage you to sign up as a mentor.

I am a Windmill client; can I be both a mentee and a mentor?

Absolutely. Many Windmill clients have extensive experience in Canada and have a wealth of practical guidance to offer as a mentor. If this sounds like you, we would love your help. Please reach out to mentorship@teamwindmill.org to let us know.

What is the Community Success Hub?

The Community Success Hub is Windmill’s online portal for MentorChats and client programming.​

Mentors use it to complete their MentorChats profile, answer matching questions and connect with their match.​

Windmill clients use it to sign up for MentorChats and access resources, updates, events and job opportunities shared through Windmill.

How does matching work?

We use your industry, profession, interests and availability to make the best match possible.

Who can I contact if I have questions?