By Jacqueline Craig

In conjunction with Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of BC & Yukon (CPHR), ACE-WIL facilitated an employer webinar for CPHR members to showcase the benefits of supporting students in WIL opportunities in their organization. Three seasoned WIL HR panelists from MNP, Safe Software and an independent HR consultant discussed the benefits of hiring WIL students and strategies for building WIL programming into their organization. They highlighted the importance of building relationships with local educational institutions to support hiring efforts. The remote nature of work was addressed and demonstrated that online onboarding is possible with effective planning and mentorship.

Akanksha Thakur, an Equity Diversity Inclusion Program Coordinator for WIL at SFU, discussed how breaking down personal stereotypes is a duty of employers to supporting diversity within WIL opportunities. She mentioned resources to come on how to build inclusive job descriptions, hiring practices and inclusive WIL opportunities. Lastly, funding opportunities for employers to hire students were outlined, highlighting the increased flexibility of these funds as an economic recovery response to the pandemic.

The webinar was attended by about 100 HR professionals across BC.

The webinar is part of a series focussed on employers and organizations who have been considering working with a WIL students, and are looking for examples of others who have made it work. The next two webinars in the series will feature small businesses (November 26) and the health industry (January 14). For more information and to register, visit our featured event page.

We’d like to see an equally strong turnout at these next events, so please share with employers and community partners in your contacts.