2025 ACE-WIL Industry Partner of the Year Award | Co-op
Award Winners, Industry Partner of the Year |The Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC / Yukon is pleased to announce the recipients of the Co-op/WIL Industry Partner of the Year Awards. The Co-op award for 2025 recognizes ACE-WIL industry partners that have demonstrated a strong commitment to work integrated learning, through the support and hiring of Co-op students and/or have shown a high level of overall support of our association through specific partnerships.
Co-op Industry Partner: Island Savings
A Division of First West Credit Union
About Island Savings, a Division of First West Credit UnionIsland Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, has been named the 2025 Industry Partner of the Year (Co-op) in recognition of its outstanding commitment to student learning and career development through co-operative education at the University of Victoria.
As a local leader known for its inclusive hiring and retention practices, it’s no surprise that Island Savings is also a stand-out co-op employer. The Vancouver Island-based division of First West Credit Union has hired more than 40 students since 2017, providing co-op learning opportunities for students studying commerce, computer science and psychology.
A defining feature of the Island Savings co-op program is its strong culture of mentorship and professional development. Each student is paired with a dedicated learning partner who provides coaching, feedback, and career guidance throughout their work term. Students consistently highlight the supportive environment, noting that supervisors actively invest in their growth and encourage initiative, confidence, and leadership.
Beyond the workplace, Island Savings demonstrates leadership in campus engagement through career fairs, mock interview clinics, networking events, and accessibility and inclusion initiatives that help broaden opportunities for students.
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon is proud to recognize Island Savings for its exceptional partnership with co-operative education and its meaningful contribution to developing the next generation of professionals in British Columbia.
Quote from Kendall Gross, President of Island Savings
“Supporting students reflects our values and our belief that strong communities are built by investing in local people,”
“Co‑op students bring fresh thinking and energy to our teams, and in return we’re able to provide meaningful, hands‑on work‑integrated learning experiences that help them build confidence and career momentum—especially at a time when young people are navigating one of the most challenging job markets in years.”
“We’re honoured to receive the ACE‑WIL Industry Partner of the Year Award, which recognizes the genuine care our teams bring to mentoring students and creating opportunities that support both student success and our organization.”