WIL programs provide many long and short term benefits. Below are some of the key benefits your organization could gain through a WIL program. To learn more about each of the benefits described below, be sure to check out our ROI: Beyond the Numbers Guide.
 

Skilled Talent Pipeline

Access to a skilled talent pipeline can look different depending on your organization and sector. Here are some examples of benefits you could gain by building a skilled talent pipeline through WIL. For the full list of benefits, download the guide.

  • Increasing awareness and appeal of your organization/industry/sector among students.
  • Assessing potential future employees and retaining post-secondary students after their placement.
  • Developing a talent pool of candidates with specific skills.
     

Productivity

WIL students improve the productivity of your organization when they produce or contribute to specific outputs or deliverables during their placement. When creating a WIL placement ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the role of the WIL student at your organization? For example, are they completing a project, alleviating the workload of other staff, filling short-term vacancies?
  • What concrete tasks will be done by the students in your WIL program?
     

Innovation

WIL students can bring new ideas, creative insights, and help your organization identify new ways to share knowledge, all while also creating a collaborative work environment.
 

Other Benefits

Consider what other benefits, beyond those listed above, your organization will gain from participating in a WIL program. These could include having a positive impact on your team, work culture, advancing specific projects, etc. For example, an important benefit of WIL is the creation of more diverse and inclusive workplaces. A WIL program is a pathway to: 

  • Addressing labour gaps through the recruitment of historically underrepresented groups.
  • Attracting new talent through international student recruitment.
  • Confronting systemic barriers, and cultivating inclusivity, belonging, and accessibility at your organization.