BHER — WIL Hub
Canada
Get access to candidates with job ready skills
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Business + Higher Education Roundtable
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Find new talent with practical experience and future-relevant skills to help your business grow.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant include initiatives that expand work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, particularly for equity-seeking groups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). These projects should provide practical experiences that bridge the classroom and the world of work.
- Creating or expanding co-op placements and apprenticeships
- Developing new WIL models like micro-placements and competitions
- Building employer capacity and infrastructure to support WIL
- Providing WIL opportunities specifically for students from rural, remote, and Northern communities
- Offering WIL programs tailored for Indigenous students, racialized students, students with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada
- Creating tools and resources to support SMEs in implementing WIL
- Collaborating with post-secondary institutions and industry partners to develop customized WIL opportunities
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$160,000
Winnipeg
Expanding apprenticeships for Indigenous students in construction trades
$144,000
Montreal
Developing WIL programs for newcomers in the culinary arts
$140,000
Ottawa
Creating WIL micro-placements for racialized students's financial sector
$80,000
Toronto
Creating micro-placement opportunities for students with disabilities's service industry
$200,000
Edmonton
Creating customized WIL opportunities for Northern community students
grant_single_labels|admissibility
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The focus is on businesses that can provide Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities to Canada's students, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can foster a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy.
- Businesses that can provide Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Companies aiming to build a more agile, equitable, and diverse workforce
- Employers looking to address skills, talent, and innovation gaps
- Businesses willing to participate in both traditional and emerging WIL models
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. The grant excludes the following types of companies:
- Non-profit organizations
- Individual consultants
- Government agencies
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include various costs related to creating or expanding Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities. These expenses aim to support businesses, especially SMEs, to develop and implement quality WIL placements.
- Salaries and wages for students participating in WIL placements
- Costs associated with training and mentoring students
- Development and implementation of WIL programs
- Tools and resources to enhance employer capacity for WIL
- Evaluation and measurement of WIL outcomes
- Travel and accommodation costs for students in remote or rural areas
- Software and technology costs related to WIL programs
- Marketing and promotion of WIL opportunities
- Consultation services to develop and improve WIL programs
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant encompass diverse regions across Canada, aiming to ensure equitable work-integrated learning opportunities for students. It includes rural, remote, Northern communities, and urban areas.
- Rural communities
- Remote communities
- Northern communities
- Urban areas
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Project relevance to the grant objectives
- Demonstrated capacity to deliver the project
- Potential impact and benefits of the project
- Budget justification and financial sustainability
- Evidence of partnerships or collaboration
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Verify that your organization falls within the eligible categories, such as industry, post-secondary institution, not-for-profit organization, or SME.
- Ensure your project aligns with the goals of creating or expanding WIL opportunities and supports diverse, equitable access for students.
- Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Access the official application form from the granting body’s website.
- Fill out all required fields accurately, detailing your organization's information and the WIL program you plan to develop or expand.
- Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation
- Gather all necessary documents, such as financial statements, project plans, proof of eligibility, and letters of support from partners.
- Ensure that all documents are up-to-date and clearly labeled to match application requirements.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Review your application and supporting documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application through the specified submission method (e.g., online portal, email) before the deadline.
- Step 5: Await Confirmation and Review
- After submission, await confirmation of receipt from the grant organization.
- Be prepared for any follow-up requests for additional information or clarification during the review process.
- Step 6: Receive Decision and Feedback
- Receive the grant approval or denial notification.
- If approved, follow any instructions for the disbursement of funds and reporting requirements.
- If denied, review feedback provided, if any, to improve future applications.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant aims to expand work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities in Canada, focusing on inclusive access and supporting businesses, particularly SMEs, to create new career pathways.
- Target completion by 2028 for every post-secondary student to have a WIL experience before graduation
- Historic investment by the Government of Canada in 2019
- Focus on traditional WIL models and emerging types like micro-placements and competitions
- Emphasis on providing tools and resources to SMEs
- Addressing barriers for equity-seeking groups such as Indigenous students, racialized students, and students from rural areas
- BHER’s WIL Hub for exploring and creating WIL placements
- Evaluation and measurement of outcomes are part of the program’s processes
Apply to this program
Canada's WIL Grants: Building Future Workforce Pathways
The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) aims to provide every post-secondary student in Canada with a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experience by 2028, thanks to significant investments from the Government of Canada. BHER’s initiatives focus on creating sustainable ecosystems, providing resources, and partnering with various stakeholders to build a more diverse, resilient, and innovative workforce.
Exploring the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Grants
The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is at the forefront of transforming the educational and economic landscape of Canada through its Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives. These grants are designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that every post-secondary student in Canada gains practical work experience before graduation. Supported by a historic investment from the Government of Canada, BHER’s mission aligns with fostering a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy. This article delves into the various aspects of BHER’s WIL grants, highlighting their significance, objectives, challenges, and opportunities.
The Significance of WIL Grants
Work-Integrated Learning is paramount in preparing students for the workforce. Traditional academic routes often leave graduates with theoretical knowledge but without the practical skills and real-world experiences they need to excel in their careers. WIL addresses this gap by providing students with hands-on experiences that mirror the actual work environment. This is particularly important in a rapidly evolving job market where employers seek graduates who can hit the ground running.
WIL grants play a critical role by subsidizing the costs associated with creating and maintaining such programs. They provide an impetus for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to participate in WIL initiatives, helping them build a more agile and diverse workforce. These grants help in creating opportunities equally accessible to all students, addressing the equity gaps within the educational system and ensuring a level playing field for students from marginalized communities.
Objectives of BHER’s WIL Grants
BHER’s WIL grants aim to achieve several key objectives:
- Create Sustainable WIL Ecosystems: One of the primary goals is to establish a robust system that integrates WIL into the regular educational framework, ensuring its sustainability and long-term impact.
- Expand Access to WIL: BHER aims to provide every post-secondary student with at least one WIL experience before graduation. This expansive access helps in fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
- Support SMEs: By providing tools, resources, and financial support, BHER empowers SMEs to participate in WIL programs, which might otherwise be financially prohibitive.
- Innovate and Adapt: The grants also focus on developing new and emerging types of WIL, such as micro-placements and competitions, which are lower-cost and lower-risk opportunities for employers.
- Bridge the Skills Gap: Through WIL, BHER aims to bridge the skills gap faced by many industries, ensuring that graduates are workforce-ready and can contribute effectively to Canada’s economic growth.
- Support Equity-Seeking Groups: WIL grants prioritize creating opportunities for students from rural, remote, and Northern communities, Indigenous students, racialized students, students with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada, helping them overcome systemic barriers to education and employment.
Challenges in Implementing WIL Programs
Though the benefits of WIL are manifold, several challenges hinder the implementation of such programs:
- Financial Constraints: Both educational institutions and industries often face financial barriers in establishing and maintaining WIL programs. The costs can include mentorship, training, administrative expenses, and more.
- Awareness and Engagement: Many employers and students are unaware of WIL opportunities or the benefits they offer. Increasing awareness and engagement requires strategic communication and outreach.
- Quality and Consistency: Ensuring that WIL placements offer high-quality, meaningful experiences consistent across different regions and industries poses a significant challenge.
- Accessibility: Making WIL accessible to equity-seeking groups requires targeted interventions and support systems to address their specific needs and barriers.
- Adapting to Change: With the fast-paced changes in the job market, WIL programs need to continuously evolve to stay relevant and effective.
Opportunities and Future Directions
Despite these challenges, there are ample opportunities to enhance and expand WIL programs:
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government bodies, educational institutions, and businesses can pool resources, knowledge, and expertise to create impactful WIL opportunities.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging digital platforms and technologies can streamline WIL processes, enhance accessibility, and provide virtual or remote WIL options.
- Customized WIL Models: Developing tailored WIL models that cater to specific industries, regions, or demographic groups can increase the relevance and effectiveness of WIL placements.
- Policy Support: Advocacy for policies that support and incentivize WIL participation can create a more conducive environment for these programs to flourish.
- Research and Evaluation: Continuous research and evaluation can help in identifying best practices, measuring outcomes, and making data-driven improvements to WIL initiatives.
BHER’s Role in Shaping WIL Ecosystems
BHER’s WIL Hub is a central resource for employers and educational institutions to explore, invest in, and create quality WIL placements. By building connections, collecting evidence, and developing tools and resources, BHER supports the growth of inclusive and diverse WIL ecosystems across Canada.
Some of the specific activities that BHER undertakes include:
- Developing Tools and Resources: BHER creates practical guides, templates, and toolkits that help employers and educational institutions navigate the complexities of setting up WIL programs.
- Building Partnerships: By collaborating with industry partners, post-secondary institutions, not-for-profits, and government entities, BHER fosters a collaborative environment to scale WIL opportunities.
- Tracking and Evaluating Outcomes: BHER invests in research to evaluate the impact of WIL programs, providing valuable insights that inform continuous improvement efforts.
- Nurturing Inclusivity: Special initiatives focus on creating WIL opportunities for underrepresented and equity-seeking groups, ensuring that diversity and inclusivity are at the core of WIL ecosystems.
Conclusion
As Canada continues to navigate economic and social challenges, the importance of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) cannot be overstated. BHER’s commitment to ensuring every post-secondary student has access to WIL experiences is a transformative step towards building a resilient, inclusive, and skilled workforce. By leveraging partnerships, innovative approaches, and targeted support, BHER’s WIL grants hold the potential to shape the future of education and work in Canada, creating new pathways for students and driving the nation’s economic growth.
