Module 1: Introduction to Quality WIL and Employer Responsibilities

Module 1

3. Understand Employer Responsibilities in Providing a Quality WIL Experience

Two students in white lab coats, safety goggles, and blue gloves work together at a laboratory bench.

Photo: Courtesy of the WIL program at SFU

Employers play a key role in shaping the student experience during a work-integrated learning (WIL) placement. A quality WIL experience is not just about offering a job; it is about creating a structured, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that aligns with the student's academic goals and skill development.

This module will help you:

Understand what makes a WIL experience “high quality”.
Explore your responsibilities as a host organization or supervisor.
Identify strategies to support inclusive and student-centred practices throughout the WIL cycle.

What Is a Quality WIL Experience?

According to ACE-WIL and CEWIL Canada, a high-quality WIL experience is characterized by:

Intentional learning outcomes tied to academic and career-relevant goals.
Meaningful work that aligns with the student’s program or learning objectives.
Supervision and mentorship that provide regular check-ins, guidance, and feedback.
Safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces where students feel welcome and supported.
Ongoing reflection and evaluation to help students learn and improve.

A quality placement doesn’t require a large organization or significant resources. With planning, communication, and intention, employers of all sizes and sectors can provide meaningful WIL opportunities.

Core Employer Responsibilities

As a host organization, your responsibilities during a WIL placement typically include:

Preparing for the student’s arrival: Ensure clear onboarding processes, workspace setup (including remote work tools, if applicable), and clear expectations.
Providing mentorship and supervision: Assign a primary contact or supervisor who can offer regular support and feedback.
Clarifying tasks and goals: Ensure the student understands their role, responsibilities, and how their work connects to team or organizational goals.
Encouraging reflection and learning: Create opportunities for students to reflect on their progress, challenges, and learning throughout the placement.
Supporting inclusive workplace practices: Commit to creating a safe and respectful environment that supports all students, where each student feels seen, heard, and valued for their unique skills, abilities, and talents they bring to the team.

Many employers also collaborate with the student’s post-secondary institution to ensure the placement meets curricular requirements. In some cases, this may involve mid-placement check-ins or end-of-term evaluations.

Inclusive Practices in WIL Supervision

Providing a supportive experience includes recognizing and addressing potential barriers students may face in the workplace. You can strengthen your approach by:

Reviewing your onboarding process for accessibility and inclusion
Using plain language and clear expectations
Encouraging open communication and questions
Asking students about their preferred working and learning styles
Being mindful of power dynamics and unconscious bias

Refer to the ACE-WIL EDI Toolkit and Indigenous Employer Toolkit (linked in Module 3) for practical guidance and tools to support inclusive supervision.