CEWIL Resource Hub: Preparing for WIL at the University of Victoria

The course is delivered in partnership between Co-operative Education and Career Services and the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education at the University of Victoria. Students work through the required co-op curriculum before embarking on their first work term while also exploring program-specific professionalism competencies and curriculum. As such, the course is split into two modules whereby students learn about careers and career-related skills as well as specific skills needed for their field.

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Key success factors

  • The course is mandatory, for credit, and is taken by both co-op and non-co-op students
  • The course is collaborative in nature, with shared curriculum and instruction from Co-operative Education and Career Services and the School of Exercise Science,
  • Physical & Health Education. The co-op staff collaborates with the academic program leads to identify shared learning outcomes and pool resources. This creates impactful content that integrates co-op learning and curricular learning in a way that benefits more students.

Unique characteristics

  • In-course communication is aimed at students who need and want a job after they graduate, not just co-op students.

Challenges

  • Cross-program collaboration requires an investment of time in open communication and change management to ensure everyone’s voices are heard.
  • It's important to have early and frequent stakeholder engagement, and to understand that there are similarities and differences between program needs. Reflecting on, summarizing, and sharing information is essential to keep progress moving in the right direction.

Key characteristics

  • Type: Preparing for WIL
  • Year program was established: 2020
  • Number of students per year: 80 registered for January 2020, planning for 120 per year
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 5-10 each semester
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: The Faculty of Education’s School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education (EPHE; specifically BSc Kinesiology and BA Recreation & Health Education programs)
  • Duration of experience: 39 hours (3 hours per week for 13 weeks) – 13 hours focused on co-op and career curriculum and 26 hours focused on EPHE curriculum
  • Submitted by: Alyssa Hindle