Leveraging advisory committees to advance Work-Integrated Learning and Campus Career Centers - Understanding industry trends and employer expectations is key to student success. Program Advisory Committees (PACs) comprised of industry professionals provide insight into the labour market, connect students to WIL experiences and careers, and suggest updates to curriculum to ensure workforce relevance. PACs connect post-secondary institutions to the ever-changing world of work. More often than not, Program Advisory Committees are coordinated off the side of someone’s desk, which means that PAC members aren’t connected to the institution and students aren’t benefitting. In this workshop, learn about NorQuest College’s integration of Program Advisory Committees into the Work-Integrated Learning and Career Education Centre (WILCEC). The WILCEC manages the committees for the academic programs, recruits and engages PAC members, and utilizes PAC members to create WIL and career opportunities. PAC members act as ambassadors for the college and for Work-Integrated Learning, creating opportunities for students to gain experiences and increasing employer-partner engagement and partnerships. PACs are the pinnacle of successful employer relations.

Presenter: Alison Reaves, NorQuest College, Alberta

Alison manages the Work-Integrated Learning and Career Education Centre at NorQuest College in Edmonton and previously worked as the Associate Director in the Business Career Services office at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Alison’s focus on student, staff, and stakeholder success includes Work-Integrated Learning, Program Advisory Committee engagement, and career education.