Work Integrated Learning

Creating Unique Learning Opportunities for Students

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a form of experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting.

These unique experiences include an engaged partnership between Assiniboine, a host organization/employer, and a student and we believe are one of the most influential opportunities a student can participate in.

Assiniboine offers students various forms of WIL and this is dependent on the program and area of study. However, most programs at Assiniboine will have either a Co-op or Practicum Work Placement. These placements include the development of industry-informed learning objectives and outcomes related to employability, agency, knowledge and the transferable human skills that will give our graduates a competitive advantage today and in the future.

What is the difference between a Co-op and a Practicum Work Placement?

A Co-op work placement involves full-time, paid work experience related to the student’s field of study where a student is actively engaged in productive work. On average these placements are 4 months (16 weeks) in length.

The timing of co-op placements depends on the program. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit Assiniboine’s Program Pages.

A Practicum Work Placement involves full-time, unpaid work experience related to the student’s field of study, and is under the supervision of an experienced professional. The length of the practicum may vary, but will normally be from one to 12 weeks in length depending on the program.

In both situations, the student gains valuable practical experience through applied learning and skill development, and has done college training in writing cover letters and resumés, networking and career exploration while earning academic credits that count toward their college credential.

Employer Benefits

Hiring Work Placement students can provide organizations with solutions for employment challenges, with access to over 300 talented students looking for permanent or part-time positions.

• Work placements offer the possibility of having a trained, qualified employee once the student graduates which helps to reduce the organization’s job search costs.
• The work placement may provide an opportunity for a part time employee during the academic year.
• Host employers are eligible to participate in the annual on-site Work Placement and Employer Networking Expo. For more information email [email protected] or go to Industry and Student Connections.

Hiring is easy

1. Send us your job posting online. Please include the job description, the application process, and closing date.
2. Schedule an interview on campus.
3. Hire the candidate of your choice.

We're always interested in creating new employer partnerships. If you know of a person or organization that we should be in contact with please forward the information to the co-op coordinator:

Erinn Heinrichs
Coordinator, Co-operative Education
(204) 725-8700 ext 6679
[email protected]

Requirements and expectations

For the employer:

• The employer is expected to provide a work experience that matches the provided job posting as closely as possible.
• The immediate supervisor of the student is required to provide the student with a mid-point and a final evaluation.
• The employer is expected not to layoff the student during the work experience.

For the student:

• The student is required to complete work placement assignments on their time.
• The student is expected to fulfill the duration of their work commitment.
• The student is expected to put forth their best effort in the placement.