Grow your business with OC Work-Integrated Learning
Tap into skilled student talent ready to contribute to your team. Strengthen your future workforce with OC work-ready students.
Discover the benefits of students in your workplace through work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.
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employers connected
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WIL opportunities
Why partner with us?
Six reasons employerschoose OC WIL
WIL isn't just good for students, it's a smart business strategy that helps you find, train and retain top talent.
Cost-effective hiring
Access grants and subsidies that reduce hiring costs. Many WIL programs offer wage subsidies up to 70 per cent.
Fresh perspectives
Students bring new ideas, current industry knowledge and digital skills that can drive innovation in your business.
Try before you hire
Evaluate students' work ethic and skills firsthand before making a full-time commitment.
Flexible arrangements
Choose from WIL opportunities like co-op, internships, practicums, placements or projects that fit your business needs and schedule.
Build your talent pipeline
Develop relationships with OC students early and secure the best talent for your future workforce needs.
Increase productivity
Students can take on projects and tasks, freeing up your team to focus on strategic priorities.
Simple process
How WILworks for you
Getting started with WIL is easier than you think. We guide you through every step of the process.
01
Tell us your needs
Fill out our simple Connect Form to tell us about your talent needs and preferences.
02
Get matched
Our team connects you to WIL opportunities with work-ready OC students whose skills align with your needs.
03
Prepare and onboard
Prepare your workplace, select the best fit and welcome students to your team with our supported onboarding process.
04
Grow together
Mentor your students, complete meaningful projects and potentially hire them as permanent team members.
WIL in practice
How employers bring WILinto their teams
Common models, each flexible enough to fit your organization and deliver real value from the start.
Students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms, typically 4-6 months and full-time, bringing current skills and fresh perspectives directly into your workplace. Work terms are structured around your operational needs and the student's field of study, with the option to stack multiple terms for continuity. These WIL types are paid and coordinated by OC Careers team.
Outcome: Build a pipeline of job-ready talent with the option to rehire or transition into longer-term roles.
Students apply classroom theory, values and skills directly in a real workplace. Practicums require supervision by a registered or licensed professional, while field placements offer experience with mentorship. These WIL types are unpaid and have an instructor attached to the student.
Outcome: Supports your team while bridging the gap between student learning and real-world practice.
Students partner with your organization to apply their disciplinary knowledge to a challenge you identify, working through consulting, design or research-based projects grounded in your real workplace context. These WIL types are unpaid and have an instructor attached to the student.
Outcome: Delivers practical project work while connecting your organization to emerging disciplinary expertise.
Get Started
Resources to help you move forward.
Resources to help you understand WIL, access funding and partner with confidence.
Funding Guide
A clear breakdown of available wage subsidies, eligibility, how to apply and how our team helps you navigate each step.
Employer Partnership Guide
Explore all the ways to engage with OC students, from WIL pathways and the Careers Hub App to on-campus recruitment.
OC Employer Partner Resources
Once you have decided to hire, FAQs about WIL, a guide to preparing your workplace and tools to set students up for success from the first week.
Events
Ways to stay engaged withOkanagan College
WIL News & Stories
What people are sayingabout WIL
Connect with us
Ready to connect with
OC student talent?
Fill out the form and our team will reach out to discuss how OC WIL opportunities can support your talent needs. No obligation, just a conversation.
Questions? Ask about WIL
Not sure where to start with WIL? Our 24/7 virtual assistant can help you:
- Quickly understand WIL in plain business terms
- Find the right option based on your needs and capacity
- See when students are available and what skills they bring
- Learn what’s required (and what support is provided)
- Get a clear next step: post an opportunity or connect with our team