Research summary - Work-integrated learning in Canada
Official title: Work-Integrated Learning in Canada: Results from Wave 3 of the Longitudinal and International Study of Adults
Author of report: Joe Iacampo
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Why this study
We took on this research to learn more about:
- the characteristics of students taking part in work-integrated learning (WIL) programs
- what types of supports are offered by schools to find jobs related to students' field of study, and
- the benefits of WIL programs to students
What we did
We looked at post-secondary students who took part in WIL programs in Canada. The research used data from Wave 3 of the Longitudinal and International Study of Adults.
What we found
- almost half (46%) of all students who took part in WIL were younger (aged 19 to 25)
- more than half of students who took part in WIL were from Ontario (35%) and Quebec (21%)
- one-quarter (25%) of the students who took part in WIL were from rural areas
- 15% of all male students took part in WIL, compared to 10% of all female students
- 12% of students whose family income was below $25,000 and 12% of students whose family income was between $50,000 and $100,000 took part in WIL (12%)
- 11% of immigrant students took part in WIL programs, as did 10% of visible minority students
- the most common supports that students received from their schools were:
- help in finding an employer
- writing a résumé, and
- preparing for an interview
- most students who took part in WIL benefited from the program, in terms of:
- money (97%), or
- knowledge and work experience (45%)
- key factors to taking part in a WIL program included:
- family income, and
- support from schools
- key factors for students working during their studies in a job related to their schooling included:
- age
- place of residence
- family income, and
- support from schools
What it means
The findings of this research will inform Learning Branch’s efforts to:
- strengthen students’ training and skills development in post-secondary education, and
- improve their abilities to successfully find a meaningful job after graduation
The findings from this project will help the federal government understand how to improve:
- students' training and skills development in post-secondary studies, and
- their chance of finding a meaningful job after graduation
Contact us
Learning Branch, Learning Policy and Services Directorate, Policy, Planning and Partnerships Division
Email: ESDC.NC.SSPB.RESEARCH-RECHERCHE.DGPSS.CN.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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