Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – More than 100 representatives from Manitoba businesses are meeting today to learn the advantages and benefits of mentoring a student through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

Hosted by RRC Polytech’s Applied Computer Education and Work Integrated Learning & Career Services department, the one-day conference Engaging in Work-Integrated Learning for the Changing Workplace aims to inform businesses about what WIL opportunities exist with the College, and what supports they can receive to promote accessibility and equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

“The College is already well known for its experiential approach to learning, and we want to ensure our industry partners understand the many benefits of providing students with Work-Integrated Learning experiences. Not only do our students gain important skills that support their future career paths, but our host employers also benefit through early access to high quality talent,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “Students come to RRC Polytech because they want a high-quality education that will prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation. This includes access to industry mentorship, experiential learning and co-operative work placements.”

The conference is funded through a partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), with support from the Government of Canada. Through the partnership RRC Polytech has committed to providing 650 WIL opportunities for students in 2023.

Some new initiatives created through the partnership include the Sprint to Innovate competition, pitch workshops, and additional projects worked on through Applied Computer Education.

“We need to scale up opportunities for employers to work with equity-deserving students to create truly inclusive and meaningful work environments,” said Andrew Bieler, Director of Partnerships & Experiential Learning at BHER. “We applaud RRC Polytech in bringing together business and industry organizations to better understand how best to support students from different backgrounds in Manitoba.”

Conference sessions focus on how businesses can maximize their talent pipelines through WIL, supporting students and employees with autism, cultural competencies training, and accessibility resources. The day kicks off with a keynote from Dr. Lionel Laroche about managing cultural differences in Canadian organizations.

Katrina Zado, Director of People Development at Northfield IT is attending the conference and is looking for ways to enhance WIL opportunities across the Winnipeg-based technology company.

“Our talent is the primary driver of the value we bring to our clients and we are looking forward to contemporary perspectives on optimizing our people strategy and enhancements within the WIL program,” says Zado.  “Constant refinement helps us better support our students and team members in fostering collaboration and learning.  Northfield IT has successfully partnered with RRC Polytech for ten years and we hope to continue to be a supporter of the school for many more years to come.”

The conference runs from 8:30a.m. until 3:30p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – 319 Elgin Avenue.

For more information and the full schedule visit RRC Polytech’s website