Module 1: Introduction to Quality WIL and Employer Responsibilities

2. Identify the Benefits of WIL for Employers, Students, and Institutions

Photo: Garrett Grubisa, courtesy of the WIL program at TRU

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) offers meaningful benefits for all involved—students, employers, and post-secondary institutions. These partnerships are most successful when everyone involved understands the value WIL brings and how to support one another in achieving shared goals.

Benefits for Employers

Employers and host organizations benefit from WIL in the short and long term. According to the ACE-WIL Employer Tipsheets (2021):

• Access to emerging talent: WIL students bring energy, up-to-date knowledge, and new perspectives to your team.
• Support for innovation: Students can identify creative solutions and support projects such as data analysis, marketing, research, prototyping, digital transformation, and many other innovative projects within your organization.
• Talent pipeline development: WIL placements allow you to assess students as potential long-term hires with reduced recruitment risk.
• Mentorship and leadership growth: Supervising students builds mentorship and coaching capacity within your team.
• Community and institutional engagement: Partnerships with post-secondary institutions can lead to ongoing collaboration, research, and increased visibility.

Employers may also access government funding programs to support WIL placements. These programs are often tailored to small and medium-sized organizations and can help offset costs and administrative effort.

Visit acewilbc.ca to explore current WIL funding opportunities.

Benefits for Students

Students benefit from WIL by:

• Applying theory in real contexts: WIL connects academic learning with practical workplace application.
• Developing core skills: Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership are all developed in WIL placements.
• Building networks: WIL connects students with professionals, mentors, and potential future employers.
• Increasing employability: Many WIL students graduate with clearer career goals, stronger resumes, and better job prospects.

This is especially important for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Indigenous students, international students, racialized students, students with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, women in underrepresented fields, and students from rural or remote communities—many of whom face systemic barriers in accessing meaningful work experience in Canada.

Benefits for Post-Secondary Institutions

Institutions gain value from WIL through:

• Curriculum enhancement: Real-world workplace relevance supports engaged learning.
• Stronger community relationships: Collaborating with employers ensures that programming aligns with current workforce needs.
• Student success and retention: WIL programs contribute to increased student satisfaction, success, and positive long-term career outcomes.
• Reputation and reach: Institutions that offer quality WIL experiences are better positioned to attract and retain students and build industry partnerships.