MENTEE FAQ
Having a mentor is like having a personal career advisor. They can answer your specific questions and help you make career decisions, or just generally guide you on the ins and outs of the construction industry. Because they aren’t your boss or friend or parent, it may be easier for you to talk to them, and they won’t have any preconceived ideas about you. Your mentor might choose to introduce you to people in their network who can help you get where you want to go. Mentors can help you build confidence and speed up your career advancement.
It’s flexible for you and your mentor, but we ask that you get together at least half an hour a month. Your chats can be in person or virtual, and the commitment is flexible in terms of time period: you and your Mentorship Program Advisor can choose a six month or twelve-month mentorship.
No. You’ll get most of your mentoring virtually. When it’s possible and appropriate, a face-to-face meeting can be great. The Building Builders platform includes a virtual meeting platform; as long as you have access to a phone or a computer, you’re all set to be mentored. We encourage you to establish a recurring meeting schedule early with your Mentor to figure out what kind of communication channel will be most useful and comfortable.
Our mentors have all been working in the construction industry for at least 10 years and are currently living and working in British Columbia. We’ll do our best to match you with someone who has the skills and experience that can help you. In your profile identify any preferences for your mentors; your mentorship program advisor will find the best match for you.
Complete your profile with information about yourself and why you want to be mentored. Our Building Builders Advisors will match you with a Mentor based on the information you provide us. We’ll send you an email to let you know when you’re matched, and you can then view your mentor’s profile and start connecting.
Well, we hope you’ll trust us and give it a try. But if you feel strongly, you have the right to request another match: we’ll ask you for some insights that will help us do a better matching job the next time
Be open-minded, and honest with your mentor about your career goals and achievements, challenges and questions. Make the most of the opportunity you’ve been given to connect with an experienced professional. Be on time for your meetings and be polite. You may not agree with everything your mentor says, but a respectful conversation expressing differing opinions can be the best path to a good decision.
Mentees are looking for specific feedback related to finding jobs, career advice, getting certified, acquiring technical skills, and navigating professional challenges such as how to ask to be apprenticed or for a raise. Do not ask your mentor for personal advice unrelated to your job or career aspirations. They’re not a relationship coach or a therapist.
No, it is not an obligation. But it is an option to be exercised at the mentor’s discretion.
Based on your eligibility, up to $750.00 CAD of financial support is available to Mentees.
To receive funds, you must meet the following criteria:
– The funds are in support of your construction career.
– You must be actively participating in your mentorship match.
– The funds must be used within the duration of your mentorship match.
We hope this won’t happen, but we also understand that life can be unpredictable. If you must leave before your 6- or 12-month commitment is up, we ask for a month’s notice so we can do our best to find another mentee to match with your mentor.
Our team is here to support you both along the way, and we do everything we can to make sure it’s a positive experience. If you have any concerns about how it’s going, get in touch with the Building Builders team member assigned to you right away. If necessary, we will provide full support in closing the mentorship relationship in a healthy and constructive manner.
If you and your mentor would like to stay in touch after your Building Builders participation is over, you’re certainly free to do so. However, the program support will end after 12 months.
