The Student Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program connects post-secondary students with work placements in technology and business.

Student Work-Integrated Learning Program

This Canada-wide program is a three-year initiative that gives 400 post-secondary students experience navigating the future of work in high-demand fields. Students will have the opportunity to develop hands-on skills while working with high-growth MaRS ventures for an intensive work placement.

The summer cohort of the WIL program will begin on May 7, 2018, and the fall cohort will begin in September 2018.

  • Become part of the MaRS talent pipeline
  • Find employment in MaRS’ four sectors: Health, Energy & Environment, Finance & Commerce, and Work & Learning
  • Be better prepared to secure higher earnings and lower unemployment upon graduation
  • Develop and showcase the technical skills and mindsets for growth (for example, strategic thinking, problem solving and teamwork) that employers are hiring for

Who can apply?

The WIL program is open to all students currently enrolled in full-time studies with an eligible Canadian post-secondary education institution.

To foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, we’ll be focusing on attracting students of all ages from underrepresented groups, including female STEM students, students with disabilities, recent immigrants, Indigenous youth and first-year students.

Scaling ventures and corporations are encouraged to hire students through the WIL program. If interested, your organization must offer a minimum 12-week placement and hire students that have never been employees of your organization.

The WIL Curriculum

In addition to work placements with ventures, students will complete a curriculum in systems thinking, leadership, cross-sector collaboration, innovation and anti-oppressive practices. Learning will be done through a unique combination of case studies, interactive dialogues, simulations and readings. All students will complete this curriculum and be equipped with the mindsets for growth needed to excel in the fast-paced tech environment.

How do students apply to the WIL program?

Student applications are now open. Apply below to available summer and fall positions under the WIL program. Students can apply to summer positions until March 29, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Fall applications will be accepted until July 2, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Visit this page regularly for new opportunities. Summer placements will begin on May 7, 2018, and fall placements will begin in September 2018.

Why was the WIL program developed?

Multiple stakeholders identified a disconnect between the demands of employers and the skills students have when they graduate from post-secondary education institutions. This results in a skills gap where employers have difficulty finding employees with the relevant skills. It also creates an experience gap where the skills that students learn become irrelevant when they enter the workforce.

The WIL program is designed to combat this by providing work experience with scaling ventures and large corporations in key growth sectors.