Employers seek innovative ways to attract and retain talent in today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape. One avenue for cultivating a skilled workforce is through work integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students.
While employers may see the value in engaging student talent, they may not realize how accessible and straightforward it is to find and secure funding to host students.
Empower yourself and your organization to fund and adopt work integrated learning initiatives by reviewing these 5 simple steps:
Understand Funding Programs
There are many ways for organizations to fund a student in a work integrated learning role—options range from subsidies to fund matching, and even fully funded programs.
First, you need to understand what funding programs are available to your organization
- General funding programs like Canada Summer Jobs apply to most industries – Alberta WIL Vouchers are focused on specific industries
- Industry-specific programs like SWPP will only apply to specific industries or types of projects
Many industries recognize the importance of fostering a pipeline of skilled workers. As a result, industry associations, trade groups, and private organizations often offer funding to support work integrated learning initiatives.
TalentED YYC provides employers with an ever-growing list of Funding Resources showcasing your organization’s funding programs.
Identify Appropriate Funding
After you have reviewed the funding programs on TalentED YYC, you can determine the type of work integrated learning experience you want to create for an incoming student.
TalentED YYC supports employers in creating 6 different work integrated learning experiences: internship, co-op, mandatory professional practicum, project work, community service learning, and field placements.
Aligning the type of position you create with the funding programs available will depend on: your organization’s budget, when you need student support and for how long, what type of work or impact you want them to have and, in some cases, whether you already have a student lined up to take on the new role.
Complete the Funding Application
Review the requirements outlined by the funding program and ensure your organization can satisfy these requirements. In many applications, you must:
- Define your scope and objectives of hosting a student along with the roles and responsibilities of the student, supervisor, and organization.
- Outline a plan for the student’s tasks, projects, and learning outcomes during the placement. Pro tip: this will also help you draft the position description for recruitment and aid in your student onboarding process.
- Develop a comprehensive budget outlining the anticipated costs associated with hosting a student.
- Ensure the budget is realistic, well justified, and aligns with the funding program’s guidelines.
Submit the Application
Once you have completed the application form, review your application carefully to ensure the information is complete, accurate and ready for submission.
Ensure you submit by or before the deadline and be aware of the time zone for the application submission. Record your submission confirmation and any reference numbers for future correspondence.
Follow-Up and Communication
Monitor the progress of your application and be prepared to respond to any requests or inquiries. Funders or funding delivery partners may ask for additional information. Be proactive in addressing concerns or answering clarifying questions to support the evaluation of your application.
Once your application is approved, the funding organization or delivery partner will notify you of your success!
These straightforward steps can increase your organization’s chances of successfully hosting a work integrated learning student.
Remember to tailor your application to each funding opportunity and showcase the unique benefits and impact of your proposed work integrated learning experience.