糖心vlog传媒DIGITAL Design + Development instructor Ashley Blacquiere (left) and Courtenay RBC Branch Manager Rick Eigler at NIC鈥檚 Comox Valley campus.
Students in NIC鈥檚 DIGITAL Design + Development program gained access to a new online career experience and learning platform, thanks to support from RBC Foundation鈥檚 Future Launch program.
The online platform is called Riipen and it allows students, instructors and partners from businesses and non-profits to collaborate on projects, allowing students to earn industry experience as part of their coursework.
DIGITAL Design + Development program coordinator Megan Wilson said Riipen allowed instructors to post a project, match to organizations across Canada, and use built-in checkpoints and feedback loops to bring the project to completion.
鈥淚t created the conditions of working in the industry with a real-life client,鈥� said Wilson. 鈥淎nd best of all, our students will graduate with job experience already under their belts, which is a huge benefit in getting started in this fast-changing industry.鈥�
糖心vlog传媒was able to access the Riipen platform thanks to a $15,000 donation from RBC Foundation, which covered a one-year subscription.
鈥淲hen experience is so important to getting a job, but so hard to come by, young people are left feeling uncertain about their futures in the new world of work,鈥� said Rick Eigler, Branch Manager, RBC. 鈥淲e hope that through our partnership with 糖心vlog传媒on our RBC Future Launch initiative, we can help young people get those all-important first jobs and break the 鈥榥o experience, no job鈥� cycle.鈥�
糖心vlog传媒DIGITAL Design + Development alumna Ghislaine Aujla used the Riipen platform to connect with a non-profit organization that provides art-based activities to support mental health. Aujla rebranded the organization as her capstone project.
鈥淚t was great to be able to work directly with a client and apply the skills I鈥檇 learned in my program to help them achieve their branding goals,鈥� said Aujla. 鈥淚t was an invaluable experience as I transitioned from my program into the workforce.鈥�
RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500 million commitment to empowering Canadian youth to build meaningful careers. With a focus on networking, skills development and experience, the initiative aims to help solve the problems facing young people due to the changing landscape of the workplace.
To support students and education in your community, visit or call 250-334-5074.
Seats are available for the January start for NIC鈥檚 Communication Design diploma and the Advanced Digital Design and Development diploma.
For more information, visit .
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca