By: Michelle Radman
On September 25, the Partnerships for Employment (P4E) Job Fair brought together students and alumni from University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Guelph and Conestoga College. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the job fair, which was held at RIM Park.
By: Christie Zeb (she/her)
Kyle Joedicke, Cayuga woodland artist, creates a new mural for Co-operative and Experience Education (CEE) to represent unity and community.
By: Matthew King (he/him)
CEE creates award to support students financially.
Shabnam Surjitsingh Ivković and Norah McRae report on the impact on students and employers from participating in the SDGs at Work activity and engaging with the Sustainability Impact Framework. Data was collected from end of term evaluations completed by Waterloo co-op employers and Waterloo co-op students.
Co-operative and Experiential Education’s (CEE) director of strategic enablement, Judene Pretti is this year’s recipient of the Co-operative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) Ralph W. Tyler Award.
Work-Learn Institute research shows increase in students’ teamwork and critical thinking after taking part in the program. WE Accelerate aims to help vulnerable first work-term co-op students build skills to enhance employment for subsequent work terms – and according to research, it has achieved that goal.
In a panel discussion at the 2023 THE MENA Universities Summit, experts including Anne-Marie Fannon, director of the Work-Learn Institute (WxL) at the University of Waterloo, explore how experiential learning can drive graduate success and talent development. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authentic, hands-on internships that empower students to lead, collaborate and build essential interpersonal skills. Fannon highlights that treating students as employees and giving them meaningful work leads to stronger outcomes for learners, institutions and employers. Through its global partnerships and leadership in work-integrated learning, the University of Waterloo continues to shape future-ready pathways for student success.
Dr. David Drewery, associate director of the University of Waterloo’s Work-Learn Institute (WxL), highlights how employers can better attract and retain Gen Z talent by understanding their distinct work values. His research reveals that Gen Z places particular importance on job stability, equity, and opportunities for growth, differentiating them from previous generations. Drewery emphasizes the role of work-integrated learning (WIL) programs, such as those led by Waterloo, in bringing together Gen Z and employers in authentic work environments where values and expectations can be exchanged and understood.
In a CACEE blog post, Jessica Lang, associate director of Undergraduate Career Services at the University of Waterloo, explores how the Employability Capital Growth Model (ECGM) can enhance career programming and partnerships. The model identifies nine areas of employability capital and emphasizes the importance of embracing equity, diversity and inclusion in career development. The University of Waterloo aligns with the ECGM through its inclusive advising, reflective practices and strong work-integrated learning partnerships to support students’ holistic growth. The result is a more personalized, equitable approach to helping students build confidence and navigate their career paths.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) has a significant contribution to education. Not only does it deepen academic understanding, but also enhances employability outcomes, fostering the exchange of knowledge between students and workplaces. Implementing the ideal environment for WIL consists of understanding stakeholders' goals and needs, creating a supportive environment, as well as navigating diverging interests. Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost of CEE, discusses with the National Skills Network, the distinction between experiential education and practical work experience, and how WIL plays a role in contributing to the broader educational framework.