Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
A Net-Zero Talent Pipeline Through Innovative Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Opportunities
This project offers innovative work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that equip students with practical net-zero skills and fosters industry collaboration so we can build a future generation of environmental leaders.
Introduction
Canada will need over 40,000 skilled environmental workers entering the green workforce every year for the next decade. To bridge this gap and empower young Canadians to pursue meaningful work, this project offers innovative work integrated learning (iWIL) opportunities that equip students with practical net-zero skills and foster industry collaboration so we can build a future generation of environmental leaders.
Our goal is to:
- Empower young Canadians with the skills and experience needed to thrive in net-zero careers.
- Deepen collaboration between industry and educational institutions to ensure the skills students are gaining meet current and future workforce needs.
- Support Canadian employers in finding and attracting qualified green talent.
This project commenced on March 1, 2024, and will conclude on March 31, 2025.
What is Work Integrated Learning?
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) integrates a student’s academic studies with experiences within a workplace or practice setting. It involves a partnership among at least three key players: an academic institution, a host organization, and a student. Work-integrated learning enhances classroom learning and bridges theory with hands-on experience, preparing students for the complexities of the modern workplace. Some examples include co-ops, apprenticeships, or applied research.
Innovative WIL (I-WIL) are work-integrated learning experiences that are designed to be more adaptable and customizable. They occur over a shorter time frame, generally numbering weeks rather than months or semesters. These condensed experiences allow students to gain practical skills and insights while balancing their academic commitments.
Work-Integrated Learning Benefits:
- Ease the transition to the working world
- Give your students a competitive advantage
- Increase connections with industries in your region
- Increase job success rates for your program graduates
By helping employers with wage and training costs, we can minimize the risk to take on junior candidates and reduce the number of under or unemployed recent graduates.
Project Activities
Create a pipeline of skilled professionals for Canada’s growing net-zero economy by establishing 210 new work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students in Quebec, Yukon, and Prince Edward Island by March 31st. The project has two components:
Net Zero Bootcamps
(In Person Delivery)
The Net Zero Bootcamps will enable first-time students to gain a strong foundation of net zero concepts. It is a 2–3-day bootcamp offered through partnering post-secondary institutions in Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon.
These bootcamps offer students with baseline knowledge and skills around net zero and emissions reductions across sectors.
These bootcamps equip students with essential knowledge and skills for net zero and emissions reductions across sectors. Topics include GHG emissions, climate change, net-zero policies, emerging technologies, industry trends, reporting frameworks, and feature guest speakers.
Bilingual Student Net Zero Challenges (Virtual Delivery)
In September 2024 we hostsed a fast-paced, multi-day competition challenged students across Canada to collaborate with their peers and industry partners to tackle real-world problems that are currently hindering progress toward net zero.
Students worked together in teams to develop innovative solutions and presented to a panel of judges during our Virtual Career Fair with prizes being awarded to the top contestants. Learn more about the winners of the 100-Hour Net-Zero Student Challenge below.
Net-Zero Challenge Information
Note: The workload is expected to be spread across the team, meaning that not all group members have to contribute to each deliverable. For example, a group of 8 students could have have 2 students engaging in stakeholder communications, 2 students creating and delivering the presentation, and 4 students splitting up the documentation. At least half of the group members must attend the presentation.
- Preliminary conversations and guidance was sought out with at least 2 stakeholders. [team]
- Presentation and Q&A delivered at the virtual career fair, 15 minutes total. [team]
- Documentation of process and solution (1250-3000 words) including – a problem statement, stakeholder engagement processes, proposed solution, implementation plan, expected impact, economic/social/environmental sustainability, anticipated risks. [team]
- Completion of pre- and post- challenge surveys. While not part of scoring, all winners must complete these surveys before being awarded prizes. [individual]
A detailed scoring sheet will be released along with the Challenge topics on September 13th.
The top three winning groups will be determined by a judging committee of industry professionals. A peoples’ choice vote will be run for every grouping, with winners receiving an honourable mention.
Big picture judging criteria:
- The solution is relevant and thoroughly addresses the issue. This means that it considers the interests of various stakeholders, such as industry partners, government agencies, and local communities.
- The solution should be innovative and creative, addressing a real-life industry problem in a new or unique way.
- The solution should not only be feasible but also scalable. It should have the potential to be implemented at a larger scale or in other similar settings.
- The solution should be sustainable in the long term. It should consider the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability.
- All work is professional and of high quality, in both the challenge process and the deliverables.
Prizes
Winner:
- $5000 grand prize in the form of prepaid VISA gift cards, distributed among team members.*
- A blog post showcasing the winning team’s solution published by ECO Canada.
- In addition, each team member will receive:
- ECO Canada training voucher valued at $500
- A swag bag
*Options will be discussed based on the winning team’s preferences, team size and ECO’s funding constraints.
1st Runner Up:
- Each team member will receive:
- ECO Canada training voucher valued at $300
- $25 prepaid gift card of choice.
- A swag bag
2nd Runner Up:
- Each team member will receive:
- ECO Canada training voucher valued at $200
- A swag bag
People’s Choice winners:
- Each team member will receive a swag bag
Partnership Opportunities
Does this project align with your organization’s direction?
We are currently in search of project partners across Quebec, Yukon, and PEI.
Employers & Industry Representatives
From sharing your net zero knowledge to providing guidance and networking opportunities, employer participation is key to enhancing student experiences! This is an excellent opportunity for individuals or organizations who are passionate about emissions reductions and want to share their experiences in the net zero space.
Who we are looking for:
Organizations from diverse sectors such as energy, transportation, construction, utilities, waste management, and agriculture that have integrated emissions reductions into their practices.
- Companies actively engaged in net-zero or other low-carbon initiatives and committed to sustainability goals.
- Are excited about companies sharing experiences with students!
Potential partnership opportunities include:
- At the Net Zero Bootcamp, you have the opportunity to become a panel speaker, attend a networking lunch and be part of industry-session presentations.
- Take part in the Net Zero Student Challenge, you can participate by providing project guidance, serving as a panel judge, submitting challenges, delivering kick-off keynote speeches, joining our networking events, or sponsoring student prizes.
Post-secondary Institutions
Give your students the opportunity to learn from net zero industry leaders and help build a skilled talent pool for Canada’s green economy!
Potential partnership opportunities include:
Get involved in our Net Zero Bootcamp by hosting at your institution, providing curriculum feedback, recruiting students or helping out with bootcamp delivery.
Help us enhance the Net Zero Student Challenge through student recruitment, judging projects, or providing student support.
Want more information?
If you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities to build the future generation of net zero leaders, please reach out to our project team by clicking below.
This project is done in partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada.
