New work-integrated learning program will prepare students for career success

OTTAWA – Canada’s universities welcome today’s launch of the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program, which will help Canada’s next generation develop the skills they need to succeed in today’s global economy.

Launched by Employment Minister Patty Hajdu, the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program will create 10,000 new paid work placements for postsecondary students over the next four years, with an investment of $73 million which was first announced in Budget 2016.

Canada’s universities welcome the government’s commitment to facilitate the vital partnerships between business and higher education institutions that are needed to equip today’s young people for the challenges of tomorrow.

“The federal government recognizes that Canada’s youth are our most vital asset for building a prosperous and equitable Canada of the future,” says Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada. “Our universities support the call by the Canadian Business/Higher Education Roundtable for access to work-integrated learning for 100 percent of Canadian postsecondary students. This new program is an important step towards this ambitious – but essential – goal.”

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