Conestoga has received nearly $550,000 in funding from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada to provide financial support to students enrolled in work-integrated and experiential learning opportunities.
The funding was made possible through a partnership between the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning program and CEWIL Canada to fund grants that will enable the creation of curricular work-integrated learning (WIL) focused primarily on applied research/industry projects, entrepreneurial WIL, field placements and service-learning WIL.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced post-secondary institutions throughout Canada to innovate and advance work-integrated learning so that students gain experience in line with current labour market trends while fulfilling academic requirements for graduation,” said Cara Krezek, CEWIL CEO in a statement. “This partnership ensures we can continue to build on that momentum of providing students access to the WIL programming they need.”
At Conestoga, the funding will support more than 1,200 students across 36 programs to assist with expenses and related costs incurred during field placements throughout the winter term including transportation, child care, enhanced personal protective equipment and technology to support remote placements. Reimbursements range from $200 to $800 per student.
The funding will also be used to assist students with placement support and to develop resources to help students completing remote placements.
“We are grateful to CEWIL Canada for this investment in our students and the learning experiences that support their academic journey,” said Linda Crawford, associate director, Work-Integrated Learning. “Placement opportunities connect students to our community partners and enhance their skills and knowledge so they are prepared for today’s changing workforce.”
Through their programs, nearly 70 per cent of Conestoga students have access to work-integrated and experiential learning opportunities which provide relevant hands-on learning in support of students’ education and future careers.
To learn more about Conestoga’s short-term student placements, employers are invited to email wilsupportservices@conestogac.on.ca or call 519-748-5220, ext. 2468.