Work-Integrated Learning

The nature of work across Canada and the world has been transformed in recent times. Demand for highly sought-after skills, and the shift towards a knowledge-, experience- and a digital-based economy have prompted a new policy environment to address this transformation. The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Strategy emphasizes the need to empower students, support job creators, and bridge gaps between education and employment through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities.

Athabasca University (AU) identifies with Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada’s (CEWIL) mission to build capacity to develop future-ready learners through quality WIL experiences. In doing so, AU also embraces CEWIL’s definition of WIL which emphasizes curricular experiential education through engaged partnerships between academic institutions, host organizations, and learners.

Programs at AU offer learners the flexibility to pursue quality education without leaving the workforce. Learners have a variety of WIL opportunities at their disposal in select programs, including but not limited to, practicums, internships, virtual co-operative education, applied research projects, and project-based coursework. Such valuable, hands-on experiential opportunities allow learners at AU to graduate with internationally recognized degrees, as well as acquire highly sought-after skills which can enable them to transition into management roles at their workplaces and meet the growing demand of today’s knowledge-based workforce.