The SmartSTART Mentorship Pilot Program is a 3–5 year initiative designed to strengthen Northern leadership. Beginning in the winter of 2026, the pilot will recruit two Indigenous participants between the ages of 18 and 30 from Northern communities in Canada.
How the Program Works
The SmartSTART Mentorship Program begins with up to one year of paid job readiness training and mentorship. During this phase, mentees gain exposure to all functional areas of SmartICE, such as operations, technology, and community engagement, while building professional skills including communication, computer proficiency, and workplace etiquette.
Mentees then progress to a mentorship phase with experienced SmartICE staff to develop functional and technical skills and gain deeper organizational knowledge.
Upon completing the mentorship program, participants transition into full-time roles within SmartICE, receiving ongoing professional development support to ensure long-term success. To ensure lasting success, mentees will receive ongoing professional development, mentorship, and regular check-ins for up to three years. This continued support helps strengthen confidence, build leadership capacity, and foster long-term employment.
Why now
As SmartICE continues to expand and evolve, it’s essential to invest in the development of Northern talent to ensure that future leaders are equipped to guide the organization in ways that reflect local perspectives, values, and strengths.