The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to launch a new round of the Graduate Mentorship Program, says Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach.

“The Graduate Mentorship Program provides graduates with a work experience in the private sector related to their skills and education, and assists to bridge education with work experience,” says Minister Roach. “This program continues to gain popularity as it benefits both the graduate and the employer. I am pleased to announce that we are once again accepting applications.”

The Graduate Mentorship Program was introduced in 2012, in an effort to attract and retain Prince Edward Island’s educated graduates. The first intake of the Graduate Mentorship program resulted in opportunities for more than 80 Island post-secondary graduates in a variety of fields. Employers benefit as well from being able to attract and mentor local talent.

“As of today, we are accepting applications from employers who wish to participate in this round of the Graduate Mentorship Program. In the coming weeks, we will be making another announcement to invite graduates to apply,” said Minister Roach.

The program is open to graduates who have completed their degree or diploma within the last five years. It applies to Island residents who completed their education either on or off-Island and, in an effort to encourage people to return to the province, the Graduate Mentorship Program will be open to people who have completed their education on the Island within the last five years regardless if they still reside in the province. Private sector employers, who are willing to provide a mentorship and employment opportunity to a recent graduate, receive a 70 per cent wage subsidy for a period of one year. The Graduate Mentorship Program is funded in whole or part through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement and/or Labour Market Agreement.

For more information and to download an application form, visit www.skillspei.com.