糖心vlog传媒student Rudo Mlambo has seen the benefits of the Work-Integrated Learning program.
A recent provincial announcement will mean more support for 糖心vlog传媒 (NIC) students taking part in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences and regional employers looking to hire students.
On June 6, the B.C. Government announced an investment in co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities. 糖心vlog传媒is among the 13 post-secondary institutions included in the announcement.
The investment is part of the province鈥檚 StrongerBC: future ready action plan, in May. For institutions like NIC, it will provide a total of $4.5 million over three years.
鈥淭his funding represents a true commitment on behalf of the province in helping support students to transition successfully from their post-secondary studies to the workforce,鈥� said Anita Budisa-Bonneau, 糖心vlog传媒Coordinator for Work-Integrated Learning. 鈥淧articipating in a quality WIL experience before graduation helps students determine their future career path with confidence.鈥�
Rudo Mlambo has seen the benefits of WIL programming. As an accountant in her native Zimbabwe, she decided to come to Canada and continue her education. She began researching post-graduate programs, then decided on NIC鈥檚 Global Business Management post-graduate program.
She started her studies in January 2022 and has been able to find work with an accounting firm in Courtenay.
Mlambo points out the importance of WIL opportunities and programming for students, especially those working to establish themselves in a new country.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a gateway for most people. It鈥檚 not easy to just land in Canada,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut with WIL you now have work experience you鈥檝e already gained in Canada before you even graduate.鈥�
Another advantage is the integration of education and real-world, on-the-job experience.
鈥淟earning is one thing. The moment you get on a computer at work, it鈥檚 different,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing at school here at the same time has helped a lot 鈥� It boosts your confidence too.鈥�
糖心vlog传媒will be working on its plan for the new WIL funding in the coming weeks and will be releasing more information about WIL opportunities for students and employers.
鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled with this funding opportunity that will allow us to expand our current programming while also better supporting our regional employers, so that they are well aware of all the funding opportunities available to them to hire students,鈥� Budisa-Bonneau said. 鈥淥ver the next three years, we will be looking for innovative partnerships to help create more engaging, quality and inclusive WIL experiences for all.鈥�
For more information about WIL opportunities at NIC, see /student-life-support-services/wil/
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca