March is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the powerful impact WIL has on students, institutions, employers, and the broader community. Canada has long been a leader in WIL, setting global standards for how academic learning and practical experience can seamlessly come together to create better outcomes for all involved. But as the landscape of education and employment continues to shift, one thing remains constant—WIL isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a strategic imperative.
Why WIL Matters to Institutions
Let’s face it—students today are making decisions about their education with an investor mindset. Tuition is rising, and students (and their families) are asking tough questions: What will this degree get me? Will this school set me up for success? The answer to these questions increasingly comes down to an institution’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning.
Work-Integrated Learning programs—co-ops, internships, applied research projects, apprenticeships, and more—aren’t just about adding a line to a student’s resume; they’re about providing a return on investment. Institutions that prioritize WIL are the ones that attract students who want more than just a credential—they want experience, employability, and the confidence that they will graduate career-ready.
Moreover, WIL-integrated institutions build stronger reputations, increase employer engagement, and see better post-graduate employment rates. In an era where rankings and student satisfaction metrics matter more than ever, having a robust WIL strategy is a differentiator that signals to prospective students: We are invested in your future.
Why WIL is Crucial for Students
Ask any graduate what they wish they had more of in school, and the answer is often real-world experience. Students want to test-drive their careers, gain clarity on what they like (and what they don’t), and develop the professional skills that can only come from doing. WIL provides these opportunities while also giving students a way to build networks, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of their industries before they even graduate.
The transition from school to work can be daunting, but students who have WIL experience enter the workforce with more confidence and a clearer sense of their career path. They’re not just entering interviews with a degree in hand—they’re coming with tangible skills, references, and a story to tell about how they’ve already contributed to an organization’s success.
Why Employers and Communities Need WIL
For employers, WIL isn’t just a pipeline to fresh talent—it’s a strategic advantage. Hiring WIL students allows organizations to:
- Tap into emerging skills, trends, and technologies that students bring from their academic learning.
- Test new positions and assess long-term fit before making full-time hires.
- Build a talent pipeline that reduces recruitment and training costs.
- Strengthen relationships with post-secondary institutions to help shape future curriculum and industry alignment.
For communities, WIL fosters stronger connections between education and economic development. When students gain hands-on experience in local businesses, non-profits, and public institutions, they are more likely to stay, work, and contribute to their communities after graduation. WIL isn’t just about individual career success—it’s about building sustainable, innovative, and thriving communities.
Canada’s Leadership in WIL
Canada has been a global leader in WIL, with institutions across the country embedding experiential learning opportunities into their programming. CEWIL Canada, the national body advocating for WIL, continues to drive forward initiatives that connect students, employers, and institutions in ways that benefit the entire economy. From robust co-op programs at leading universities to innovative applied research collaborations, Canada’s commitment to WIL has set a benchmark that other nations are looking to emulate.
The Need for a WIL and Career Education Strategy
Having a WIL program is great, but having a WIL strategy is essential. Institutions that integrate WIL and Career Education into their long-term planning ensure that students receive not just work experience, but the career guidance, skills translation, and industry connections they need to thrive. A strong strategy includes:
- Intentional employer partnerships to ensure WIL experiences are high-quality and career-relevant.
- Career education that helps students make sense of their WIL experiences, articulate their skills, and transition smoothly into employment.
- Faculty engagement to ensure academic programs align with industry needs.
- Institutional commitment to making WIL accessible and equitable for all students.
When institutions take a strategic approach to WIL, they don’t just benefit their students—they future-proof their own relevance in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.
Let’s Celebrate and Advocate for WIL
As we celebrate WIL Month, it’s important to recognize that WIL is more than a program or an initiative—it’s a mindset shift in how we approach education and career preparation. Institutions, students, and employers all have a role to play in making WIL experiences meaningful, accessible, and impactful.
So here’s to Work-Integrated Learning—Canada’s competitive edge, a student’s best investment, and an employer’s smartest hiring strategy.
To celebrate National WIL Month, here are some great opportunities from coast to coast! Whether you’re a student looking for hands-on experience, an employer seeking fresh talent, or an institution aiming to strengthen your WIL strategy, these opportunities are worth checking out. Share them with your networks and help spread the word about the power of Work-Integrated Learning!
#WILMonth #CareerEducation #WorkIntegratedLearning #ExperientialLearning #FutureOfWork
NFLD
🔹 Campus Director – Carbonear | College of the North Atlantic | Apply here | Closes 03/25/25
🔹 Campus Director – Happy Valley-Goose Bay | College of the North Atlantic | Apply here | Closes 03/24/25
NB
🔹 Career and Professional Development Program Manager | University of New Brunswick | Apply here | Closes 03/27/25
ON
🔹 Program Associate, Outdoor Education & Land-Based Learning | UofT – St. George | Apply here | Closes 03/27/25
🔹 Career Educator | UofT – St. George | Apply here | Closes 03/26/25
🔹 Career Counsellor | UofT Scarborough | Apply here | Closes 03/24/25
🔹 Experiential Learning Coordinator | UofT Scarborough | Apply here | Closes 03/24/25
🔹 Coordinator, Career Peer Programs | UofT – St. George | Apply here | Closes 03/21/25
🔹 WIL Project Supervisor (Temp) | Lambton College | Apply here | Closes 03/28/25
🔹 Employment Consultant/Job Developer | Lambton College | Apply here | Closes 03/20/25
🔹 Employment Resource Specialist (Temp) | Confederation College | Apply here | Closes 03/31/25
🔹 Manager, Employer Services & Training Partnerships | Sheridan College | Apply here | Closes 04/16/25
🔹 Continuing Education Manager | Fleming College | Apply here | Closes 03/23/25
🔹 Placement Coordinator | Cambrian College | Apply here | Closes 03/24/25
🔹 Career Services Coordinator | Nipissing University | Apply here | Closes 03/21/25
MB
🔹 Co-op/IIP Program Assistant | University of Manitoba | Apply here | Closes 03/20/25
SASK
🔹 Office of Student Services & Career Advising Administrative Associate | U of Sask | Apply here | Closes 03/26/25
🔹 Director – Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre | Sask Polytechnic | Apply here | Closes 04/04/25
🔹 Co-op Education Coordinator | U Regina | Apply here | Closes 03/24/25
AB
🔹 Administrative Coordinator (Experiential Learning Initiatives) | U Calgary – Werklund | Apply here | Closes 03/25/25
🔹 Program Facilitator, Cooperative Education | MacEwan | Apply here | Closes 03/25/25
🔹 Director of Community Engagement | NAIT | Apply here | Closes 03/29/25
BC
🔹 Experiential Learning Manager | UVIC | Apply here | Closes 04/03/25
🔹 Career Strategist, UBC Sauder Co-op Program | UBC | Apply here | Closes 05/13/25