Helping Students Move from the Classroom to the Workplace
News Release
Government support helps students prepare for careers, with new experiential and integrated learning programming at UPEI
October 31, 2017 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island understand that investment in education is vital to an innovative and sustainable economy. That is why they are supporting new programming at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), that will help better prepare students for a rapidly changing career landscape upon graduation.
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Sonny Gallant, PEI Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, today announced investments supporting the implementation of an Experiential Learning and Workplace Integrated Learning model at UPEI.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) builds on knowledge gained through traditional academic education, helping graduates to transfer that knowledge into practice in workplace settings. At UPEI, the comprehensive programming will include: experiential learning, co-operative education, clinical placements, clinical rotations, service-learning, internships, research and teaching practice, service-learning, volunteerism, international academic exchange, and field placements.
ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $114,660 through its Business Development Program to UPEI for the project, while the Government of Prince Edward Island is providing a grant of $17,640.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that address labour market needs, such as developing, deploying and retaining a skilled workforce to create opportunities for all Atlantic Canadians and grow the middle class.
Quotes
“The University of Prince Edward Island has long played a central role in building our community, attracting talented staff and students from PEI and around the world, and developing expertise that focuses on the strengths of our region. Today’s investment by the Government of Canada supports essential skills development for graduates and bolsters PEI’s role in research and development, helping to grow our inclusive and innovation based economy. ”
Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is making investments in our post-secondary institutions to help prepare students for success in their careers and to drive prosperity for years to come. Increasing the connection between post-secondary education and the workforce is another step in linking Islanders to great job opportunities.”
The Honourable Sonny Gallant, PEI Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning
“We are delighted that ACOA and the provincial government have committed their support to our newly structured program in Work Integrated Learning. The program will provide a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities for our students and, as such, will support one of the central pillars of the university's strategic plan.”
Robert Gilmour Jr., VP Research & Graduate Studies, UPEI
Quick Facts
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In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a $2-billion dollar fund to support infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions to enhance and modernize research and commercialization facilities.
Through this program, UPEI was awarded funding to support the establishment of an eHub and Student Success Centre which will correspond with the integration of WIL through experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
In 2013, the direct GDP contribution of the university sector on PEI was the second highest among the 10 Canadian provinces as a percentage of the total GDP.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Katie MacDonald
Senior Communications Officer
Workforce and Advanced Learning
902-314-3996
Robert Gilmour Jr.
VP Research and Graduate Studies
UPEI
902-566-0561
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