CanWork Internship Program
CanWork is a pilot project that supports students who identify as having a disability or mental health challenge as they engage in meaningful, paid, degree-related work experience and develop tools for long-term success.
As a partnership between the University of Victoria’s CanAssist and the Co-operative Education Program, CanWork aims to increase the participation of students who self-identify as having a disability or mental health challenge in work-integrated learning opportunities,
Job coaches were hired through the CanWork pilot project to work alongside co-op coordinators to support students, helping them master their tasks, achieve independence and contribute to the workplace. Job coaches act as the bridge between student and employer, supporting the employer in providing an inclusive work environment. As part of this pilot, participant’s employment readiness has been measured before and after their work experience and resources have been developed to support students, WIL-practitioners and employers.
Key Learning Objectives:
Participants will gain an understanding of the project scope, evaluation, outcomes and key recommendations
Participants will learn about methodologies and resources that can assist WIL-practitioners in targeted support for students that identify as having a disability or mental health challenge
Participants will gain resources that support the development of accessible WIL programming including strategies to strengthen employer accessibility awareness