WIL partnership options

Two students looking at a laptop

The Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), as a part of Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), offers support and resources to engage in various types of partnership that range from supporting the operation of comprehensive and multifaceted WIL programs, supporting undergraduate and graduate courses and applied research projects. Partnerships are established to benefit students, faculty, partners and the institution itself by fostering collaboration, skill development and practical experience.

Types of partnerships

The following partnership types—skills partners, enhancement partners and experience partners—outline the various ways external collaborators can be engaged to enrich student learning while addressing industry needs.

Partnership Type Definition Scope
Skills partner Partner provides existing or supports development of new skills content as subject matter expert (SME) Spectrum of partnership ranges from consulting on content to sharing existing content
WIL enhancement partner Partner provides support to either skills content or WIL experience that enhances one or more aspects of the overarching partnership Spectrum of partnership ranges from providing tools (i.e. software) or workshops to mentorship/coaching but excludes supervision/direction of work
WIL experience partner Industry/community partner supervises and/or directs student work - responsible for student activities and student performance evaluation (SPE) Spectrum of partnerships range based on type and intensity of WIL

These partnership types are designed to ensure that stakeholders looking to engage industry/community partners understand the types of engagement the Centre for WIL supports. They are intended to help organize and streamline the approach that stakeholders like faculty and instructors can take to build an understanding of needs and intended outcomes when sourcing, aligning and managing partners.

WIL experience partners

Before sourcing partners, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your program/course objectives, the skills and experiences you want your students to gain, and how these align with industry needs. Consider:

  • What specific learning outcomes are you targeting? Identify how a WIL experience partner can contribute to these outcomes through hands-on experience.
  • What skills, knowledge and competencies do your students need to develop? Ensure that potential partners can offer opportunities that cater to these developmental needs.

Managing partners 101

Managing community and industry partners effectively during a WIL experience ensures that students gain valuable, real-world skills while meeting educational objectives. This FAQ is intended to provide instructors and other WIL practitioners with practical guidance on addressing common challenges and maintaining productive relationships with partners throughout the WIL experience. By fostering clear communication, adaptability and proactive problem-solving, instructors can enhance both the learning outcomes for students and the satisfaction of partners involved in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I establish and maintain effective communication during the WIL experience?

Effective communication begins with a clear project or practicum briefing that outlines expectations, responsibilities and guidelines. Establish a regular check-in schedule, like weekly meetings, and document key decisions and progress. When logistical challenges arise, consider integrating these check-ins as part of the student’s assessment. Use the briefing as a shared reference to align all parties throughout the WIL experience.

What should I do if the partnership encounters conflict or issues?

When conflicts arise, refer to the briefing to clarify roles and guide discussions. Facilitate a constructive conversation to realign with project goals. If a partner is not delivering agreed-upon opportunities, initiate dialogue to understand their constraints and revise the plan if needed, ensuring the student still gains meaningful experience.

How do I handle changes or unexpected challenges during the WIL experience?

If priorities or timelines shift, revisit the project or practicum briefing to assess impacts and collaborate on adjustments that preserve the student’s learning outcomes. Document any updates to the plan to maintain clarity. Proactively address changes with partners and ensure all parties remain informed and aligned despite any disruptions.

How can I ensure the WIL experience supports student learning?

Refer to the learning outcomes in the briefing as benchmarks. Arrange check-ins with students and partners to evaluate alignment and progress. Foster student reflection and documentation to connect practical experiences with learning goals. Explore incorporating reflective exercises and assessments that encourage students to relate theory to practice.

How can I support partners in giving meaningful feedback?

Include a feedback framework in the briefing that aligns with student learning outcomes. Guide partners to offer constructive, specific and timely feedback tied to educational objectives. Final evaluations are important to reinforce learning and assess the overall quality of the WIL experience.

What strategies help keep the partnership and project on track?

Use the briefing as a living roadmap to monitor progress through regular check-ins. Revisit timelines, tasks and milestones to ensure alignment with original goals. Promptly address any drift from the plan, using the briefing to re-establish shared expectations and maintain momentum.

How can I support partners in providing feedback to students?

The project or practicum briefing can include a feedback framework to guide partners. This framework should align with the learning outcomes and provide clear criteria for evaluation. Encourage partners to refer to this framework when giving feedback, ensuring it is constructive and tied to the educational goals outlined in the briefing. Regular feedback aligned with the briefing helps students improve and focus on their learning objectives. Final evaluations are critical to ensuring the quality of the WIL experience.

What strategies can I use to keep the partnership on track during the WIL experience?

Use the project or practicum briefing as a roadmap for the partnership.  During regular check-ins with the partner, review the timeline and milestones outlined in the briefing. Address any deviations from the plan promptly, using the briefing as a guide to realign efforts. This proactive approach ensures the partnership remains focused on achieving the agreed-upon goals and outcomes.

How do I handle unexpected challenges or changes during the WIL experience?

When unexpected challenges arise, like changes to timelines or priorities, refer to the project or practicum briefing to assess their impact on the plan. Collaborate with the partner to adjust the project scope or timeline, ensuring student learning objectives are still met. Document any changes in the briefing to keep all parties informed and maintain alignment despite the challenges.

Tell us about your experience

Significant challenges, such as unresponsive partners or impassable conflicts, may require ending a relationship with an industry or community partner. This can impact the institution. Consider updating or sharing your experience with CEE to ensure consistency across WIL programs and student experiences.