As we continue to explore innovative ways to support jobseekers and employers and create viability in our critical network of employment service providers, I was interested to read the Future Skills Centre's latest State of Skills report on Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Honourable Anne Kang, to talk about the importance of employment service providers and how, in the environment of shrinking funding, there are more opportunities that build on our sector's strengths.
WIL is gaining traction as a powerful tool for building skills and strengthening workforce connections. The Future Skills Centre report highlights the many benefits — from improved employment outcomes to enhanced soft and technical skills development, especially for equity-deserving groups.
For publicly funded employment service providers, this presents an opportunity to play a more active role in making WIL accessible and impactful.
- We can help cultivate employer partnerships by demystifying WIL for small and medium-sized businesses. Hosting info sessions, offering guidance on structuring placements, and providing coaching for workplace mentors can help build employer confidence and capacity.
- We can support better matching between employers and participants by collaborating on regional WIL hubs or digital platforms. These tools can streamline placements, particularly when focused on high-demand sectors like skilled trades, tech, and health care.
- Wraparound supports are key. Our sector is well-positioned to offer career coaching, mental health supports, and training in essential employability skills—elements that research shows are critical to successful WIL outcomes.
- We can also support employer partners through supervisor training and by embedding competency coaches into WIL programs, helping both learners and hosts navigate the process successfully.
- Finally, tracking outcomes and incorporating feedback will ensure WIL programs continue to evolve and improve. Gathering data on placements, completion rates, and post-program employment can help demonstrate impact and secure continued investment.
WIL isn’t just for students—it’s a flexible approach that can support mid-career workers, newcomers, and anyone seeking to gain relevant experience. As always, our sector's strength lies in making meaningful connections and adapting to meet people where they are. WIL gives us one more way to do just that.
-- Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
