WIL is where the classroom and workplace come together

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Work-integrated learning (WIL) can be a “win” both for North Island College students preparing for a career and their potential employers.

WIL refers to work experience, paid or unpaid, that is linked to academic credits. For a student, it means real world experience gained while adding to their educational credentials. For employers, it can be a flexible, cost-effective way to build connections with potential employees.

Throughout its 50-year history, NIC has worked closely with industries and organizations to meet employment needs and adapt to labour market shifts. Over the past decade, thousands of NIC students have gained experience and employment in a variety of careers, as WIL helps them transition from the classroom to the workplace seamlessly.

“Participating in a quality WIL experience before graduation helps students determine their future career path with confidence,” says Anita Budisa-Bonneau, NIC Coordinator for Work-Integrated Learning.

Adding to that, is the fact that many NIC programs require an internship or co-op experience. Examples include co-op terms that are a mandatory part of the Bachelor of Business Administration diploma programming.  

Often, these opportunities are local, but sometimes they span the globe. Students can be eligible to complete a co-op term in France as part of NIC’s exchange with Université Savoie Mont Blanc.

There are other options beyond the regular co-ops and internships. For example, NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) connects students with applied research opportunities throughout the year. Trades apprenticeships and practicums also count as WIL, although they are tied to formal industry or professional standards.

Through its focus on collaboration and skills training, WIL aligns with the provincial government’s plans to support the economy and create jobs to meet labour market demands. In recent years, workplace-integrated learning has evolved throughout the province’s post-secondary sector with a growing number of student work placements in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

NIC provides more information about WIL on its program page, including more information about co-ops and internships and a job board for students to help them on their career paths.