Research summary - Work-integrated learning in Canada

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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