Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a flexible, cost-effective partnership between students, employers and North Island College. Whether you’re interested in hiring a graduate, a co-op student or providing internship opportunities, we want to connect you with NIC talent.
CareerCentral: post a job
CareerCentral is our online job board, where we direct all student and alumni jobseekers. This is where you can post opportunities tailored for students seeking co-op and internship opportunities. It’s also a great place to include information on upcoming hiring events.
How does co-op work?
Co-op integrates on-campus, classroom learning with practical applied learning at the workplace. Students earn three credits per co-op term, pay tuition equivalent to any regular three-credit course and must complete a minimum of 420 hours. Students can complete a co-op term at various stages in their studies, but the majority complete co-op between May and August.
How do internships differ from co-op?
The internship program is more flexible and is also a mandatory component in several different business and tourism and hospitality programs. Students earn three credits, pay tuition and must complete a minimum of 180 hours over a four-month period, either on a part-time or full-time basis. Students can complete their internship between September to December, January to April or May to August.
Benefits to employers
WIL gives employers a chance to recruit new employees that are flexible, highly knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of business administration, hospitality management, adventure tourism and culinary arts.
- Reduced recruitment and hiring costs
- Employers enjoy access to a pool of screened, motivated, temporary employees for special projects, peak periods, vacation relief, or maternity leave coverage without costly advertising and dozens of unsuitable resumes to wade through.
- Employers can select from a group of applicants who have already met high entrance requirements and have completed some post-secondary training as well as some preparation for operating effectively in the workplace.
- Employers can evaluate potential future employees without obligation or commitment to permanent employment.
Effective human resource management
- WIL is a proven cost-effective method of meeting both immediate and long-range human resource needs.
- Employers can increase effective utilization of permanent employees and an opportunity for employee development in the area of supervision.
- WIL aids in the vetting of students for future hiring of motivated and skilled employees.
Funding for employers
There are wage subsidy and grant programs to reduce the financial burden of hiring. If you’re considering hiring a work-integrated learning student for your organization, you may be eligible for federal or BC funding resources.
Get in touch
We’re here to connect you with NIC student talent. Contact the team at studentemployment@nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5076 for more information. You can also read our Work-Integrated Learning: Co-operative Education & Internships – Employer's Reference Guide for more information.
