into the WILderness

When it comes to WIL and students, statistics/trends tell a story, and a complicated one at that. It’s a summation of their perceived reality of the world around them (educational factors, internal factors, external factors). They put this all together to help inform what they will do when they walk out the door of your PSI for the last time. On this episode I sit down with Graham Donald , Founder...

WE'RE BAAAACCKKKK!! Season 2 kicks off in style with my new part time co-host Charlene Marion . On this episode we explore the concept of adding work integrated learning to prep courses like those seen in cooperative education programs. We talk about why this has been shown to increase retention of students, challenges around students finding their own opportunities, exposing students to WIL early...

Explaining experiential learning and work integrated learning is not as simple as one may think. The approach and way you do it must be tailored to your audience; students, faculty, employers, community partners. On this episode I dive into how we talk about WIL and uncover an approach that is resonating with students - at least those born before the year 2002. Is it possible that the three critic...

25,000+ students, 7100+ employers, 60+ countries. The University of Waterloo boasts the largest cooperative education program in the world! We're going big to kick off National Co-op and WIL month here at CEWIL. On this episode I explore how Waterloo grew from its co-op roots in 1957 to the machine it is today. It hasn't come without its fair share of changes and challenges including a large depar...

I've discussed a number of barriers to work-integrated learning on previous episodes, but this one gets to the very core especially when it comes to course-based WIL. Faculty members and instructors typically hold the keys to their own courses and introducing a new WIL component takes time and thoughtful consideration. It also can require assistance, from another staff member, a community partner...

It's the age old question...well maybe not "age-old" but it's been floating around for a while; does the number of work experiences and WIL opportunities lead to greater employability in students? This week I revisit the topic of competency development and my guest helps unpack some of his latest research in the attempt to answer that question. Is it an exact science? Does more WIL mean more job o...

Despite all the planning and expectations ironed out well in advance, there are times when a community partner or employer situation just isn't working out. Sometimes you can ride it out until the end of the course or work term, but other times require an intervention and in some cases, a termination of that relationship mid project or mid work term - often an tough conversation to have! On this e...

Irish novelist Samuel Beckett once said "Words are all we have", well on this episode I dive into one of those words that seems to be a fixture in the Work Integrated Learning space; Placement or Placements. Starting with the definition of the word and moving along to why this word can lead to assumptions, misunderstandings and potential issues, especially when it comes to Co-operative Education....

WE'RE BAAAACK! It's our first episode of 2022 and we're picking up right where we left off. This week I sit down with Trucking HR Canada to talk about the recent federal vaccine mandate on Canadian truck drivers, the 23,000 job vacancies across trucking and logistics, student talent opportunities and improving HR best practices across the industry.  For more information about Trucking HR Cana...

We've discussed external barriers to WIL, but we've never taken an inward look at institutions when they become the barrier. That changes today! On this episode I'm joined by Charlene Marion - Director of WIL, CEWIL Canada to have an open an honest conversation of our experiences in the WIL space and how post secondary institutions can become the barrier to new and innovative types of WIL. It's no...

Growing plants in your backyard is something, growing careers in the agriculture sector is something else! On this episode I sit down with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) to talk about their AgriTalent program and the Ag-tech industry. We chat about the challenges finding good talent, the intense labour shortage the industry is facing, and how to expand student awareness t...

Prior to March 2020, remote work terms were a rarity, an exception to the norm. Fast forward 20 months and they have become a staple in co-op programs across the country. On this episode we explore the assumptions, realizations and new realities of remote work terms; how they have reduced barriers to access and levelled the playing field for students. While there is no black and white solution, we...

At CEWIL we have defined 9 types of curricular WIL. While they all look a little different at each institution, there is consistency at the core of each type. This episode dives into the world of Community and Industry Research and Projects (CIRPS) to explore best practices, cultivating and nurturing community relationships and discovering what makes this type of WIL so interesting and innovative....

Championing the end-to-end career of environmental professionals is no small task. On this episode I sit down with ECO Canada to talk about their Student Work Placement Program, training and mentorship and the value of obtaining program accreditation. For more information on ECO Canada's SWP Program and funding check out their website Guests: Sarah Casorso - Senior Manager, Employment Programs, EC...

CEWIL Canada has seen a lot of changes over the past two years! As the organization prepares for it's Annual General Meeting (AGM) it's time to reflect back on these changes and look forward. On this episode I sit down with the current President and President-Elect of CEWIL Canada to chat about challenges, rewarding moments, insights for those looking to get involved, celebrity cooking and e-gamin...

If you want insights into an industry that literally keeps the lights on in this country - this one is for you! On this episode I sit down with Electricity HR Canada (EHRC) to talk about their Empowering Futures program, discuss the unique competency framework they have developed, and take a deep dive into the electricity industry and the vast array of opportunities that exist for students and new...

At CEWIL we have defined 9 types of curricular WIL. While they all look a little different at each institution, there is consistency at the core of each type. This episode dives into the world of Community Service Learning (CSL) and Community Engaged Learning (CEL) to uncover some of the truths behind this type of learning, explore the nuances of the terms themselves and question if they are truly...

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a number of industries across the country and the tourism & hospitality industry is near, if not at the top of that list. The challenge now is how to address the labour crisis this industry is facing. On this episode I sit down with one of the newest Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) partners, Tourism HR Canada, and talk funding opportunities, COVID impac...

WIL often leads to the development of new skills or the strengthening of existing ones. The challenge for students is realizing this in the moment and taking the time to reflect. On this episode we explore the challenges that arise for students when trying to articulate skills and competencies on their resumes and during interviews, exploring solutions and different strategies for WIL practitioner...

Join Dan Lonergan as he takes a deeper dive into the world of Work Integrated Learning (WIL).  Before diving into WIL, we take a step back and talk about what WIL is, what it means, who’s involved, and what it means for industry and WIL partners. Guests Dr. Nancy Johnston - Past President of WACE, former Vice Provost, Students, Simon Fraser University, BC // Scott Davis - Faculty Relations Ma...