CEWIL Resource Hub: Preparing for WIL

These programs, courses, and tools prepare learners for success in their WIL opportunities. Students typically prepare for WIL by improving their career and work search skills, gaining industry-specific knowledge, and reflecting on their goals and values.

Preparing for WIL program profiles

Students complete a pre-first work term course that combines career and work search skills with specific professional competencies.

Conestoga uses the HSTrax software tool to help students track and share health and safety standards, certifications, and other documents with placement hosts and employers.

Students attend Speaker Series sessions that provide skills and industry knowledge for the co-operative education application process and work term success.

Students across 18 skilled trade programs receive additional support from an Apprenticeship Engagement Specialist and through the Hub, a new physical space devoted to apprenticeship students.

Students work through a guided reflection tool to reduce their anxiety over career preparation and reflect on the outcomes of their experiences.

Relevant literature

• Richmond, K., Richards, K., & Britt, K. (2015). The impact of an authentic, simulated learning activity on student preparedness for work-integrated learning. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 16(4), 343-354.
• Grace, S., & O’Neil, R. (2014). Better prepared, better placement: An online resource for health students. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 15(4), 291-304.
• Howard, P. (2009). Articulating the learning: Professional practice made explicit. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 10(3), 177-188.
• Reddan, G. (2008). The benefits of job-search seminars and mock interviews in a work experience course. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 9(2), 113-127.
• Johnston, N. (2007). What aren’t we teaching our students: Critical pedagogy and co-operative education curriculum. Journal of Cooperative Education and Internships, 41(2), 23-29.
• Spowart, J. (2006). Hotel school students’ views of their preparation for work-integrated learning. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 7(2), 10-15.

You can view more relevant literature about preparing students for WIL by visiting WatCACE's WIL research portal.