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1 Definition and Overview

Centre for Academic Excellence, Niagara College Canada and Careerspace, Trent University

Introduction to WIL

 

Cooperative education, commonly referred to as co-op, is just one type of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) you might experience during your time at university. Although “WIL” and “co-op” are frequently used as synonyms, they actually have different meanings and consequences. This chapter aims to define these important terms clearly, demonstrating their significant impact on both your academic and career paths. By grasping these ideas, you’ll be better equipped to make educated choices and fully benefit from the opportunities presented to you.

It contains content and activities designed to familiarize you with the concept of WIL and its numerous advantages in post-secondary education. You will explore the wide range of WIL opportunities that may be available to you.

 

 

What is Work Integrated Learning ( WIL ) ?

“Work-integrated learning is the process through which students come to learn from experiences in educational and practice settings. It includes the kinds of curriculum and pedagogic practices that can assist, provide, and effectively integrate learning experiences in both settings.”
– Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO).

WIL and Experiential Learning ( EL )

Work Integrated Learning is a part of a larger educational framework known as Experiential Learning (EL). According to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, experiential learning involves educational activities supported by colleges or universities where students learn by doing. This approach includes participating in workplaces, experiencing workplace demands, or simulating real-world expectations. The goal is to offer students diverse activities that enable self-paced learning, fostering reflection on their experiences to identify and enhance their skills.

Types of Work Integrated Learning

  1. Internship
  2. Apprenticeship
  3. Co-operative Education
  4. Field Placement
  5. Service Learning
  6. Mandatory Professional Practice
  7. Course-Based Applied Research Project

 

Type of Experience Description Payment Status Examples
Internship
  • Alternates between phases of conventional academic study and phases of practical work experience.
  • Internships may vary in terms of total duration and the timing of work placements within a program.
 Unpaid
  1. Social work students assisting in coordinating community outreach programs at a nonprofit organization.
  2. Graphic design students designing promotional materials for a local arts festival.
Apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship training blends conventional classroom education with substantial hands-on job training.
  • Students earn a certificate of apprenticeship.
 Paid
  1. Automotive mechanic students gaining extensive experience in an auto repair shop.
  2. Culinary students working in a professional kitchen.
Co-operative Education
  • Alternates between phases of conventional academic coursework and phases of paid work experience.
  • Programs are designed or approved by the institution and follow specific guidelines regarding the length and timing of placements.
  • Co-op programs are typically coordinated by a dedicated office or department that collaborates with various academic programs.
 Paid
  1. Architecture students utilizing computer-aided design software at an architectural consultancy.
  2. Engineering students conducting fieldwork for a civil engineering firm.
Field Placement
  • Emphasizes hands-on experience that typically happens concurrently with a student’s coursework.
  • Work can occur in real-world settings or be simulated in a lab or virtual environment.
  • Field placements are generally organized by the program or department they are linked with.
 Unpaid
  1. Paramedic students serving as the third member of an emergency response team.
  2. Social work students acting as trainee counselors in a community support center.
Service Learning
  • Students collaborate with non-profit organizations to address community needs or global challenges.
  • Usually coordinated by the relevant program.
 Unpaid
  1. Construction students participating in the renovation of a community garden.
  2. Hair styling students volunteering to provide haircuts at a youth outreach center.
Mandatory Professional Practice
 (Practicums, Clinical Placements)
  • Students engage in supervised work environments to gain practical experience.
  • This work experience is mandatory for professional certification.
 Unpaid
  1. Nursing students caring for patients in a healthcare facility.
  2. Dental students providing patient care in a dental clinic.
Course based applied studies
  • Students undertake projects linked to a particular business or industry.
  • The project can be part of a course or serve as the main focus, like a capstone project.
 Unpaid
  1. Marketing students creating digital marketing strategies for community enterprises.
  2. Horticulture students planning sustainable irrigation systems for urban gardens.

 

WIL Principles

  1. Post-secondary supported, Workplace linked
    • Administered and recognized by a college or a university
    • Real or simulated professional environment
  2. Meaningful, Structured, and Verified
    • Organized and purposeful
    • Structured and intentional
  3. Compliant with Employment Laws
    • Must follow the rules
    • Include all health and safety regulations
  4. Recognized
    • Confirmed and counted
    • Course credit or qualification

WIL Components

  1. Systematic Training:
    • This training method highlights the workplace as a primary setting for learning, emphasizing practical experience. It aims to develop skills and expertise relevant to specific jobs. Apprenticeship programs are part of this approach.
  2. Structured Work Experience:
    • Structured work experiences help students get used to working. They still learn in classrooms, but also gain skills and learn about real jobs. This includes things like field placements, co-op, and internships.
  3. Institutional Partnerships:
    • Post-secondary institutions provide institutional partnerships to support industry objectives or community requirements. These collaborations involve work conducted either within the institution or in the community. Examples of such partnerships include applied research projects and service learning initiatives.

 

Passing Your Co-op Work Term:

Co-op versus Co-op Internship:

Co-op designation requires a minimum of 3 Co-op work terms.

  • Complete the full length of the work term with a satisfactory evaluation from the supervisor.
  • Submit and achieve a PASS grade on all work reports, including In-Progress and Final Work Reports.

Co-op Designation:

  • Requires a minimum of 3 co-op work terms or 3 semesters of co-op, equivalent to 12 months of work experience.
  • Maximum of 5 co-op work terms or 20 months of work experience.
  • Indicates on the degree title (e.g., Mechanical Engineering & Co-op) valuable work experience.

Importance of Co-op Designation:

  • Demonstrates to employers your commitment and completion of co-op requirements.
  • Enhances competitiveness in the job market.
  • Assists in future employment opportunities

License

Co-op Readiness Guide Copyright © by Amanda McEachern Gaudet. All Rights Reserved.

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