Student Placements

Work Integrated Learning

TalentED YYC focuses on a specific type of student experience called work integrated learning.

Work integrated learning opportunities are more than just any summer job. They allow employers to work with skilled students and offer students the chance to experience real-life work in their field.

Work integrated learning opportunities have 3 components:

  1. An agreement between an academic institution, an organization, and a student
  2. Connection to skills expected from the student’s program of studies
  3. Student participation in hands-on learning and reflection

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Employer benefits of engaging
post-secondary students

Through work integrated learning opportunities, your company can expect:

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First access to the next generation of employees

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Fresh ideas and perspectives

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The opportunity to build staff leadership capacity (by supervising students)

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The creation of a skilled talent pipeline for your future workforce

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A connection to the post-secondary system

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An opportunity to introduce new graduates to your industry and business

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A way to give back to the community, and contribute to a stronger workforce

Need more reasons? Check out the stats about how students can benefit your organization at Statistics Canada.

Ready to engage with skilled post-secondary students?

Connect with us today

Financial Information

Work integrated learning opportunities may be paid or unpaid.

See the chart below for more information on the different types.

For those offering paid opportunities, there are financial supports available to help cover the costs of a student, particularly for students in specific sectors or demographics.

Choosing a student placement type

Use the chart below to learn more about types of work integrated learning opportunities you can provide:

Work Integrated Learning Type Length Type of Commitment Financial Considerations Examples
Project Varies An organizational representative must provide a scope and act as a key contact for the project. Students are supervised by their professor/instructor. Generally unpaid
  • As part of a marketing class, students conduct market research for a downtown organization.
  • Fine arts students create a lobby sculpture for a new non-profit office.
  • Software developer students create a specific API for internal company software.
Mandatory Professional Practicum Varies A registered professional must supervise the student. Typically, practicum hours are credited towards licensing. Generally unpaid
  • Social work practicum
  • Nursing practicum
  • Teaching practicum
Community Service Learning Varies An organizational representative must provide supervision and offer hands-on learning opportunities. Generally unpaid
  • Hospitality students assist with planning a non-profit charity gala.
  • History students contribute new research to a local heritage site.
  • Early childhood education students spend 3 hours a week at a non-profit for children with special needs.
Field Placement 2 weeks – 3 months An organizational representative must provide supervision and offer hands-on learning opportunities. Generally unpaid, but sometimes paid
  • Health sciences students compile clinical study data for 2 months.
  • Business students cover a company’s front desk for a month.
  • Pre-education faculty students complete a 6-week placement in a school.
Co-op One or more semesters The organization employs the student and must provide supervision and work experience similar to that of regular employees. Generally paid
  • Biology students are employed as laboratory technicians at a research facility for two terms.
  • Accounting students are employed with a firm over the spring semester and prepare tax returns and financial statements for clients.
  • Architectural students are employed as junior architects over the summer and contribute to plans and drawings for a new building.
Internship Typically 12-18 months An organizational representative must provide supervision and work experience similar to that of regular employees. Paid or unpaid
  • Environmental technology students spend a year long internship with an oil and gas reclamation project.
  • Culinary students spend a 6-month internship with a catering company.
  • Health administration students spend 18 months at a radiology clinic.

 

Work Integrated Learning Type
Project

Length
Varies

Type of Commitment
An organizational representative must provide a scope and act as a key contact for the project. Students are supervised by their professor/instructor.

Financial Considerations
Generally unpaid

Examples

  • As part of a marketing class, students conduct market research for a downtown organization.
  • Fine arts students create a lobby sculpture for a new non-profit office.
  • Software developer students create a specific API for internal company software.
Work Integrated Learning Type
Mandatory Professional Practicum

Length
Varies

Type of Commitment
A registered professional must supervise the student. Typically, practicum hours are credited towards licensing.

Financial Considerations
Generally unpaid

Examples

  • Social work practicum
  • Nursing practicum
  • Teaching practicum
Work Integrated Learning Type
Community Service Learning

Length
Varies

Type of Commitment
An organizational representative must provide supervision and offer hands-on learning opportunities.

Financial Considerations
Generally unpaid

Examples

  • Hospitality students assist with planning a non-profit charity gala.
  • History students contribute new research to a local heritage site.
  • Early childhood education students spend 3 hours a week at a non-profit for children with special needs.
Work Integrated Learning Type
Field Placement

Length
2 weeks – 3 months

Type of Commitment
An organizational representative must provide supervision and offer hands-on learning opportunities.

Financial Considerations
Generally unpaid, but sometimes paid

Examples

  • Health sciences students compile clinical study data for 2 months.
  • Business students cover a company’s front desk for a month.
  • Pre-education faculty students complete a 6-week placement in a school.
Work Integrated Learning Type
Co-op

Length
One or more semesters

Type of Commitment
The organization employs the student and must provide supervision and work experience similar to that of regular employees.

Financial Considerations
Generally paid

Examples

  • Biology students are employed as laboratory technicians at a research facility for two terms.
  • Accounting students are employed with a firm over the spring semester and prepare tax returns and financial statements for clients.
  • Architectural students are employed as junior architects over the summer and contribute to plans and drawings for a new building.
Work Integrated Learning Type
Internship

Length
Typically 12-18 months

Type of Commitment
An organizational representative must provide supervision and work experience similar to that of regular employees.

Financial Considerations
Paid or unpaid

Examples

  • Environmental technology students spend a year long internship with an oil and gas reclamation project.
  • Culinary students spend a 6-month internship with a catering company.
  • Health administration students spend 18 months at a radiology clinic.