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Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning Student Responsibilities and Supports

The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinator or Instructor Liaison will maintain contact with the industry partner and the student at the workplace throughout the WIL work term. The WIL Coordinator or Instructor Liaison will monitor student progress and performance. Students participating in a WIL work term are representing RRC Polytech. The performance and behaviours exhibited by the student will reflect on the college, the program, and future students.

Responsibility to Report

Once a WIL position is accepted by a student, they are expected to report to the workplace as required by the host partner or employer. Failure to report for work may result in serious repercussions, up to and including failure of the academic term.

Workplace Behaviour

The student is expected to engage in proactive workplace behaviours and observe all rules and regulations of the employer or industry partner. The student can be either a paid employee of the business or an unpaid practicum or field placement student.

Students are reminded to be friendly, considerate, and tactful with co-workers and supervisors and act on feedback. Students are encouraged to ask questions and be accountable for their actions.

How to Handle a Problem

During a WIL work term, the student is expected to deal with many work-related problems independent of the WIL Coordinators or Instructor liaison.

In the event of a work-related problem, the WIL student should take the following steps:

  • Discuss the situation with a supervisor at the workplace.
  • Try to come to a resolution with your supervisor.

The student should contact the WIL Coordinator or Instructor liaison immediately if:

  • The WIL student and supervisor cannot come to an appropriate resolution to the situation.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the WIL Coordinators are aware of any perceived problems or conflicts

Transportation and Living Accommodations

A student is responsible for arranging their own:

  • Transportation to and from the workplace
  • Living accommodations if required

Holidays and Time Off

Time off and holidays are not permitted during a WIL work term. However, situations arise and there may be a need to take 1-2 approved days off, for example, to attend a wedding.

  • Time off requests and arrangements should be made at the time of the agreement or during the job offer and the employer and RRC Polytech WIL Coordinator must approve.
  • The WIL Coordinator must be made aware of any leave requests that are made during the placement.

Restriction of Hours

  • Students should be fully available within the industry partner business hours. Restricting hours may hinder the ability to complete the minimum hour requirement.
  • Public transportation and family care are acceptable examples of reasons why students may restrict availability, students must inform their WIL Coordinator of any reason why they need to restrict hours.
  • Availability for WIL employment will take precedence over any non-WIL employment position. The WIL employer should be the student’s priority for the WIL term.
  • We request that industry partners & employers inform the WIL Coordinator if the student has restricted availabilities.

Note: Restricting hours may hinder the ability to complete the minimum hour requirements of the program.

Should the student not achieve the required hours due to restriction of availability, there may be repercussions up to and including a failure for the WIL work term. Each case will be reviewed separately.

Labour Issues

  • Decisions about workplace issues and concerns will be made with the WIL Coordinator and the Program Chair. The consequences of the decision for all stakeholders will be carefully considered.
  • In the event of a labour disruption please contact your WIL Coordinator for further guidance, each situation will be handled individually.

Resignations

  • WIL students are expected to finish the WIL work placement by the term dates predetermined by the program. Once minimum hours are achieved, the student will continue working until the end of the designated term dates.
  • Premature resignation from a WIL placement may result in a failed WIL placement.
  • The WIL Coordinator must be notified and consulted with before a student decides to resign from a work placement.

Terminations

If a student is terminated from their position, the student is required to notify the WIL Coordinator immediately.

If employment is terminated by an employer for “just cause” the student may:

  • Receive a failing grade
  • Be suspended from the program for one semester
  • Apply to repeat the WIL work term
  • Be required to pay all applicable course fees
  • “Just cause” will be determined through consultation with all parties involved host site, student, and WIL Department and faculty.

Evaluation of the WIL work term

The WIL work term is graded on a PASS/FAIL basis which is assigned by the WIL Coordinator at the end of the WIL term.

WIL work terms will be evaluated by the following:

To receive a PASS grade, a student must complete all the following requirements:

  • Submit all assignments on the required due date as determined in the Course outline.
  • Completion of required weeks and hours
  • Submission of the employer’s evaluation of the student’s performance and feedback

International Student Support

For international student support, visit our immigration frequently asked questions.

To contact the International Student Support Team:

  • Email IESupport@rrc.ca and include your student number and a brief description of your inquiry.
  • Employer may access Immigration Advisor, please ask WIL Coordinator for direction.
  • Book an appointment via TracCloud in HUB.

Safety and Health During Work Term

RRC Polytech Safety Health and Security Services (SHSS) and the WIL department are available to support students with workplace health and safety while in the workplace during the WIL work term.

Safe Work

Students have the right to refuse unsafe work. If students encounter a work situation that they feel is unsafe:

Discuss with the workplace supervisor, before performing the task. Discuss the perceived safety issue, and mitigating measures that can be used. These include but are not limited to:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The employer must provide appropriate PPE.
  • If the student still feels the work requested is unsafe, the student has the right to refuse, and if this is the case, contact the WIL coordinator or Instructor Liaison immediately for the next steps.

WIL Workplace Injuries

If the student sustains an injury in the workplace while in the WIL work term, the student must:

  • If required, seek medical assistance immediately.
  • Notify the workplace supervisor immediately following an injury. Follow safety reporting procedures of the host site/employer.
  • Report all injuries to the WIL Coordinator or Instructor Liaison as soon as possible. Reporting promptly ensures all procedures are followed for student safety as well as avoids delays in support. Report the incident to SHSS via the online reporting form. The student may be contacted by SHSS to provide further information about the injury, including WCB information.
  • The student may contact the WCB directly by calling: 204-954-4321 to report your claim. SHSS will also be in communication with WCB.
  • SHSS is available to assist in the return-to-work process required by your health care provider and/or WCB.
  • Once it is confirmed that you can return to the WIL worksite, with or without modifications, students must notify their WIL Coordinator and workplace supervisor of the anticipated day of return to the site.

Student Illness While on WIL

If the student is ill during scheduled WIL hours, they should:

  • Not attending work while ill.
  • Notify the workplace supervisor immediately if ill and unable to attend scheduled work and inform the WIL Coordinator.
  • If a medical note is required, it should be sent by email to healthservices@rrc.ca. When submitting, please provide your WIL Coordinator name and contact information as the college contact person.

Note: Do not send doctor’s notes, medical notes, or certificates directly to the WIL Coordinator or Instructor Liaison, as these contain personal health information.

SHSS is available to assist in the return-to-work process recommended by your health care provider and/or WCB. Health services are available to students throughout the work term.

Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment

Members of the College Community, including students participating in WIL activities, are entitled to work and learn free from Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment, and associated violence. Any concerns or complaints about such incidents will be taken seriously and handled in a confidential, impartial, and unbiased manner, following RRC Polytech’s policy and procedures.

RRC Polytech’s Resource and Resolution Advisor is the main point of contact for all reports, concerns, or complaints related to harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence in all its forms for all members of the College community.

This advisor has experience in responding to these kinds of concerns and is the best person to provide referrals for support and outline information about the options and processes available for the individual who has been impacted. This includes students, staff, and faculty members.

There are several ways to contact RRC Polytech’s Resource and Resolution Advisor:

Student Accessibility Services

RRC Polytech is committed to providing persons with documented disabilities fair and equal access to educational programs, services, and facilities. Student Accessibility Services play a key role in this commitment by arranging accommodation and support for students with disabilities.

We work collaboratively with students, faculty, and support staff to ensure all students can have an equal opportunity to achieve their educational goals.

Counselling Services

Counseling is available to all RRC Polytech students free of charge, on a confidential and voluntary basis. Professional counselors are available to meet by appointment or by completing an online registration form.

Students in crisis, Counselling Services can meet for a same-day crisis appointment. A crisis is when not being seen immediately could lead to serious consequences or seriously aggravate the current state.

If the student is in an unsafe situation or in a personal crisis, please contact:

The WIL department is here to assist and support students before, during, and after work term. If you have any questions, please reach out to your WIL Coordinator or email WIL@rrc.ca for assistance.

RRC Polytech > Work-Integrated Learning > Work-Integrated Learning Information for Students > Work-Integrated Learning Student Responsibilities and Supports

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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