Making an impact in 2023
At Waterloo, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) is responsible for preparing students for the future of work and lifelong learning through global leadership in co-operative and career education and experiential and work-integrated learning (WIL). Our mission to equip and empower learners includes advancing research and delivering quality programming to strengthen Waterloo’s sustainable and diverse communities.
Demonstrate global leadership
At CEE, we leverage our resources, expertise and leadership to foster the growth and enhancement of the global experiential learning landscape. Through active participation in associations and strategic collaborations with industry partners, we persist in our mission to lead on a global scale.
In 2023, we hosted more than 250 delegates from 24 countries for the global WACE conference to advance work-integrated learning.
Advance research for global impact
CEE is committed to advancing research and is home to the Work-Learn Institute (WxL), the only research unit of its kind focused on researching the development of talent through quality WIL programs.
WxL offers research-backed training, webinars, reports and consulting services, as well as thought leadership initiatives aimed at elevating the quality and effectiveness of WIL programs on a global scale.
In 2023, WxL began a multi-year project with Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) to support the enhancement of WIL at institutions in the United Arab Emirates.
Utilizing work-integrated learning experiences to understand Gen Z work values, The impact of remote work on professional skill development and WIL experiences of equity deserving groups.
Future proof our students
Through strategic initiatives, industry collaborations and the ongoing evolution of our programs, we provide students with the tools, skills and opportunities they need to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
In 2023, we launched a new name and website for the Centre for Career Development (CCD) and piloted new WIL programs for graduate students (GradWIL).
Future proof employers
Through a range of tailored consultations, personalized insights, research collaborations and informative webinars, CEE empowers employers to optimize their workforce.
In 2023, we brought back options for employers to conduct in-person interviews and information sessions to help build their brand on campus and connect with students.
We also hosted our inaugural Employer Impact Conference to share insights about emerging talent.
Future proof ourselves
In CEE, we aim to cultivate a culture of engagement, transparency and excellence. This commitment extends to workforce planning and the implementation of best practices that prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in all aspects of our operations.
By fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives, we empower our team members to contribute their unique talents and insights towards our shared mission of supporting students and shaping the future of work.
In 2023, we published our commitment to service and surveyed staff to focus on continuous improvements.
Also, we have partnered with the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) to implement initiatives across CEE.
