Work-integrated learning (WIL) can help students on their career journeys by expanding their networks and providing program-relevant work experience. Providing accessible WIL experiences for as many students as possible is a priority for post-secondary institutions and participating businesses.  

To prepare this report, the Business Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) explored the potential of short, flexible and less resource-intensive programs to meet the needs of all businesses in Canada (although the work was particularly focused on small- and medium-sized enterprises—SMEs). These types of WIL experiences can reach a broad range of students, who may otherwise miss out on WIL opportunities due to personal, financial or academic reasons.  

BHER shared different forms of WIL that can meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, including  

• consulting engagements

• micro-placements

• online projects or placements

• industry projects and competitions

• hackathons

• other event-based WIL experiences  

Both students and SMEs reported significant benefits. Nearly three-quarters of participating SMEs reported the following benefits of the studied WIL program: gaining new skills, ideas and knowledge; feeling the WIL generated a positive return on investment; and filling a skill gap.  

More than 85% of participating students reported feeling optimistic about being successful in the workforce and feeling they had the skills to work toward their career goals. A similar proportion said the WIL experience made them feel more prepared for entering the workforce.