Work Integrated Learning at Coast Mountain College

Coast Mountain College is committed to creating work-integrated learning opportunities for students. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is where students work in, with, or for industry partners to achieve authentic, real-world learning experiences related to their course of study. Authentic learning opportunities are planned for and assessed as part of the student’s curricular activities. In other words, students get to work alongside professionals in a local company or organization while they study.

CEWIL Canada defines WIL as: A model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of learning outcomes related to employability, personal agency and life-long learning. Source: CEWIL Canada

Coast Mountain College is a member of the Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL), a non-profit association of publicly funded post-secondary institutions within BC/Yukon that offer work-integrated learning programs.

 

 

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Learning with WIL at Coast Mountain College

 

Want to add some excitement to your studies? Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) lets you combine your academic studies with real-life work experience. You get to work with a company or organization, alongside professionals, while you study and have some fun while you're at it!

Participating in WIL builds your network with professionals from your industry, allows you to develop valuable workplace skills, and enhances your résumé by adding relevant work experience. Apply classroom learning to a real workplace setting, explore career options and meet with potential employers. 

Many of your courses and programs have WIL experiences embedded in the curriculum, however, if you are looking for other opportunities, here are some ways to engage in WIL with CMTN's external partners:

Wavemakers

Wavemakers is a free career development program that can be completed in 22 hours. Students engage virtually with students across Canada to work on a real-world work challenge, connect with global companies in a virtual career fair, and attend learning sessions with subject matter experts. It offers professional skills development, hands-on learning with real-world work scenarios, mentorship, and industry connections—all from a virtual campus.

Plus, you'll receive digital credentials, a LinkedIn completion certificate, and a chance to win a $1500 scholarship.

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To learn more, visit the Wavemakers website or watch the Wavemakers video. Find the next cohort dates here.

Riipen

Riipen LevelUp offers an opportunity for students to work on short-term remote projects, connect with future employers, and gain real-world experience within a supportive and thriving community of Canadian students!

 

 

 

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Teaching with WIL at Coast Mountain College

 

COLT's Work Integrated Learning Division (WILD) is helping instructors embed work-integrated learning experiences (WIL) in their course/programs. WIL is the intentional integration of a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting. It includes a partnership of the academic institution, employer, and student.

WIL experiences can range from having industry professionals come to class and engage with the learners to heading out on field trips, or arranging work placements.

Why WIL?

As a bridge between students and employers, you are well-positioned to enhance students' professional portfolios and provide employers with dedicated and eager-to-learn students for their placements. Through WIL, you'll be helping:

  • Prepare students to transition into the workforce as capable and adaptable individuals, contributing to graduate employability
  • Facilitate discussion with employers to receive real-time feedback on student capability and skill requirements according to their program of studies and WIL placements
  • Provide opportunities for students to develop practical skills through WIL placements, such as problem-solving and managing ambiguity, and reflect upon their experiences

If you are thinking about a project or assignment for your students and want them to have a WIL opportunity you can reach out to WILD and we can help!

Danna Buick                                                                       Jenny Mao

dbuick@coastmountaincollege.ca                                 jmao@coastmountaincollege.ca

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Partner with Coast Mountain College through WIL

 

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is when students combine their academic studies with real-life work experience. This means they get to work alongside professionals, while they study. 

Working together as “co-educators” with community and business partners benefits CMTN students by providing them with the opportunity to network, share and hone their knowledge and skills, and to contribute to local industry, business and community organizations.

Organizations benefit by gaining access to new talent, bringing in a new perspective, fresh ideas, and a willingness to learn while providing your employees the opportunity to develop their leadership potential when they mentor a student. Do you have a project on the back burner due to lack of capacity? Partnering with CMTN College and you’ll gain a helping hand.

  • Do you need a hand with a project but don't have the time or staff to do it yourself? Students can help you out by contributing their skills and enthusiasm to your team. By working with our students, you'll also get valuable insights and fresh perspectives on your business.
  • Are you looking to take your business to the next level? By partnering with our organization, you'll have access to a pool of talented and motivated students who will work alongside your professionals, providing fresh insights and perspectives that can help take your business to new heights.

To connect with the talent at CMTN please complete the form linked below to indicate your needs and interests. This is the best way to determine how your needs align with the curriculum. Community/Employer Partner Survey

Do you have a job to post? Please use this link to create an account and post your position on the Northern WIL Hub Job Board