Building Connections. Sharing Knowledge. Strengthening Ontario’s Public Works Community.
The TRIAD Mentorship Program is a pilot initiative developed by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) to foster meaningful professional connections across Ontario’s public works sector.
The program brings together three participants in a structured mentorship relationship:
- An experienced public works professional (Mentor)
- An Internationally Educated Professional (IEP)
- A Young Professional (YP)
Together, participants engage in professional conversations, knowledge sharing, networking, and reciprocal learning designed to strengthen careers and the public works profession.
About the Program
The TRIAD Mentorship Program is a structured, time-limited pilot that creates opportunities for mentorship, professional orientation, and relationship building.
Rather than a traditional one-to-one mentorship, each triad benefits from three unique perspectives, encouraging meaningful dialogue between experienced professionals, emerging leaders, and internationally educated professionals.
The pilot is designed to explore how mentorship can strengthen professional development and create lasting connections throughout Ontario’s public works community.
Who Should Participate?
Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about Ontario’s public works sector
- Build professional networks
- Gain insight into workplace culture
- Connect with experienced practitioners and young professionals
- Exchange knowledge and perspectives
Young Professionals (YPs)
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Expand professional networks
- Learn from experienced mentors
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Gain broader exposure to the public works profession
- Participate in meaningful mentorship discussions
Mentors
Experienced public works professionals can:
- Give back to the profession
- Share valuable knowledge and experience
- Support emerging professionals
- Learn from diverse perspectives and experiences
- Help strengthen Ontario’s public works community
Program Partners
The TRIAD Mentorship Program is made possible through collaboration between OPWA and several valued partners, including:
- TRIEC
- OCISO
- Humber Polytechnic
- Algonquin College
- Additional supporting organizations
What the Program Is and Isn’t
The TRIAD Mentorship Program is designed to foster professional mentorship, networking, knowledge sharing, and reciprocal learning within Ontario’s public works community. Through structured conversations and relationship building, participants gain valuable insights into the profession while sharing their own experiences and perspectives.
While the program supports professional development and orientation, it is not a job placement or recruitment service. It does not provide licensing or credential-recognition support, immigration advice, or regulatory guidance. Instead, the focus is on creating meaningful professional connections and facilitating learning between mentors, internationally educated professionals, and young professionals.
Pilot Program
The TRIAD Mentorship Program is being delivered as a pilot initiative to explore how this unique mentorship model can strengthen professional connections across Ontario’s public works sector. Participant feedback and shared experiences will play an important role in evaluating the program and identifying opportunities for future growth.
The success of the pilot will be measured not only by participation, but also by the quality of engagement, the professional relationships developed, the knowledge exchanged, and the overall learning experience for everyone involved.
This partnership strengthens the program by bringing practical expertise directly into student learning environments.
Building a Stronger Public Works Community
The TRIAD Mentorship Program reflects OPWA’s ongoing commitment to professional development, leadership growth, knowledge sharing, and building a more connected public works community across Ontario. By bringing together experienced professionals, emerging leaders, and internationally educated professionals, the program encourages collaboration, broadens perspectives, and strengthens the profession as a whole.
OPWA is proud to recognize the mentors, participants, and partner organizations whose commitment and collaboration are making this pilot initiative possible.
Next Steps
Interested in participating? Apply Now to become a Mentor, Young Professional, or Internationally Educated Professional.
For more information click here or email us.
