Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting.
WIL experiences include an engaged partnership between an academic institution, a host organization, and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of learning outcomes related to employability, personal agency, and life-long learning.
Source: CEWIL Canada
In BC, all 25 public, post-secondary institutions offer WIL – search by visiting our institution pages, or search for specific program areas and discover where they’re offered in BC. For tips on working with WIL students, visit our Employer resources.
Watch our video to learn What Work-Integrated Learning Can Do for You.
Types of WIL
Get started with a WIL student
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) students can offer so much to your organization, whether it’s taking on a one-off research project, developing a safety plan or user manual, managing your social media channels, handling accounting duties, plus so much more.
At ACE-WIL, we often hear about how businesses have benefited from hiring students. But don’t take our word for it! Read on to hear directly from employers and students about how students positively contributed to various businesses and the types of roles they played in achieving this.
Are you ready to bring a WIL student on board? We can help. We have tips for recruiting, accessing funding, and even how to manage students remotely.
Check out our employer resources >
Are you a student? With hundreds of WIL programs at public post-secondary institutions across BC, you’re sure to find a program that matches your goals.
Explore WIL programs >
Testimonials
From an Interactive Arts & Technology student
As an Interactive Arts & Technology student studying at Simon Fraser University, Anna was able to put her design skills to use working at a local start-up. During her first month, she designed a set of presentation deck templates for use within the company, and she saw her coworkers, department leads, and CEO make use of them throughout her eight months of working there. In her own words, while “it was a simple project. . . I received feedback from coworkers that it was easy to use and decreased their workload.”
From a Media Arts at the University of the Fraser Valley
Arslan, an international student studying Media Arts at the University of the Fraser Valley, successfully completed an internship where he was able to combine his previous project management skills with the design and technical skills learned throughout his degree. He worked on numerous external and internal communications projects, including publications, blog posts, website redesigns, social media posts and video releases.
From a student at Douglas College
Douglas College student Saveen was hired on by a Lower Mainland robotics firm as a supply chain planner. As part of her duties she was able to create a detailed user manual for the software, as well as a step-by-step guide for the Finance department, both of which helped in preventing future errors from occurring.
From a Business Co-op student
Working for a local company that makes an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic wrap, University of Victoria Business Co-op student Nichole’s supervisor remarked that while she had hired students previously, this student in particular was exceptional. She worked incredibly hard every day and, very quickly, her personality shone through. She brought an entirely new perspective to the business and the people on the team and used her skills to positively push her supervisor to create and do things that her small business would not have done otherwise. She was innovative, creative and helped them think of new possibilities every day.