Work-Learn Insight - April 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022
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Welcome to the second year of the Work-Learn Institutes Insight newsletter.

As the only research unit of its kind, with access to the worlds largest database of co-op student and employer information, were continuously learning more about how to find, recruit, engage and retain the next generation of talent. Were sending out fewer newsletters, but well continue to distill what weve learned to give you useful tips and best practices to apply within your organization.

Get informed. Get future ready.

In this issue, we explore what a lifelong learner is and why its critical to have them in your organization.

Looking for more insights? View previous Insight Newsletters:


5 quick tips to attract, foster and support lifelong learners  

  1. Include clarity around opportunities to learn new things or make a positive impact in your job descriptions

  2. Hire a co-op student! Supervising students is a great professional development opportunity, and often inspires workers to upskill to stay current on technology and trends. 

  3. Build social time into your onboarding processes - meaningful social connections at work is a building block of relevant work experiences and provides a network of human resources to support growth and adaptability.

  4. Get employees to regularly self-reflect to help them identify their strengths, interests, and areas for development. 

  5. Provide support, time, and funding for professional development opportunities, such as microcredentials

Keep reading to learn more about lifelong learning, the other attributes your organization needs to succeed, and how University of Waterloo can help! 


FRTF "develop self", "design, deliver solutions", "build relationships", and "expand & transfer expertise" circle

Framing future-ready talent

(4-minute video)

Workers with a lifelong learning mindset experience greater career success. Our research-backed Future-ready Talent Framework will help you understand lifelong learning and the 11 other competencies critical to identifying, recruiting and retaining the right candidates with the right skills to help you succeed in the uncertain future.

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Self-development builds staffing resilience during a talent crisis

(2-minute read)

Lifelong learners are more likely to experience increased work performance, promotion and satisfaction supporting them can boost retention! Learn how to access and support lifelong learners with career development programs in order to strengthen your teams resiliency, withstand the great resignation, and mitigate recruitment risks and costs.


More from WxL

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The future-ready workforce series: A characteristic you need in your future workforce

June 1, 2022 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Join industry leaders and researchers from the Work-Learn Institute to learn about the characteristics of lifelong learners and what they can contribute to your organizational success.

REGISTER NOW

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We can help: Custom co-op/WIL experience reports

We can analyze many parts of the student or employment experience and create a customized data set, analysis and report based on your requirements. We can also present the information to a group of your colleagues discuss the implications for how you could improve your hiring approach and recruitment strategy.