It's the age old question...well maybe not "age-old" but it's been floating around for a while; does the number of work experiences and WIL opportunities lead to greater employability in students? This week I revisit the topic of competency development and my guest helps unpack some of his latest research in the attempt to answer that question. Is it an exact science? Does more WIL mean more job opportunities? Or is it deeper, more complex than that? Is it, perhaps, more deeply rooted in lifelong learning and the notion of quality over quantity? 

Guest: Dave Drewery, Senior Research Associate, Work-Learn Institute, University of Waterloo, ON

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

Despite all the planning and expectations ironed out well in advance, there are times when a community partner or employer situation just isn't working out. Sometimes you can ride it out until the end of the course or work term, but other times require an intervention and in some cases, a termination of that relationship mid project or mid work term - often an tough conversation to have! On this episode my guest and I explore multiple examples of when this has happened to us and offer up some strategies and best practices if you find yourselves dealing with this difficult situation.

Guest: David Di Pietro, Senior Experiential Education Coordinator, Brock University, ON

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

Irish novelist Samuel Beckett once said "Words are all we have", well on this episode I dive into one of those words that seems to be a fixture in the Work Integrated Learning space; Placement or Placements. Starting with the definition of the word and moving along to why this word can lead to assumptions, misunderstandings and potential issues, especially when it comes to Co-operative Education. So let's take a leap forward and stop using this word...just like the leap my guest took while bungee jumping in New Zealand!

Guest: Robert Wooden, Director of Management and Career Services, Dalhousie University, NS

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

WE'RE BAAAACK! It's our first episode of 2022 and we're picking up right where we left off. This week I sit down with Trucking HR Canada to talk about the recent federal vaccine mandate on Canadian truck drivers, the 23,000 job vacancies across trucking and logistics, student talent opportunities and improving HR best practices across the industry. 

For more information about Trucking HR Canada and their funding opportunities, check out their website. 

Guest Angela Splinter, CEO, Trucking HR Canada

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

We've discussed external barriers to WIL, but we've never taken an inward look at institutions when they become the barrier. That changes today! On this episode I'm joined by Charlene Marion - Director of WIL, CEWIL Canada to have an open an honest conversation of our experiences in the WIL space and how post secondary institutions can become the barrier to new and innovative types of WIL. It's not all doom and gloom though, we dive into many highlights and ways that WIL champions have navigated around these barriers to make an impact on their students and communities.

"Fallen Leaves" - Electric Wildlife

Growing plants in your backyard is something, growing careers in the agriculture sector is something else! On this episode I sit down with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) to talk about their AgriTalent program and the Ag-tech industry. We chat about the challenges finding good talent, the intense labour shortage the industry is facing, and how to expand student awareness to other parts of the sector.

For more information on the AgriTalent program and funding check out their website.

Guests: Jennifer Wright, Director Operations, Programs and Partnerships, CAHRC // Colleen Coats, VP of People and Culture, Farmer's Edge

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

Prior to March 2020, remote work terms were a rarity, an exception to the norm. Fast forward 20 months and they have become a staple in co-op programs across the country. On this episode we explore the assumptions, realizations and new realities of remote work terms; how they have reduced barriers to access and levelled the playing field for students. While there is no black and white solution, we discuss best practices, new hybrid models and how trust in your employees is critical to the entire process.

Guests; John Daggett - Manager, Co-operative Education and Career Success, Georgian College, ON // Ryan Larouche - Talent Partnerships Consultant, Brock University, ON

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

At CEWIL we have defined 9 types of curricular WIL. While they all look a little different at each institution, there is consistency at the core of each type. This episode dives into the world of Community and Industry Research and Projects (CIRPS) to explore best practices, cultivating and nurturing community relationships and discovering what makes this type of WIL so interesting and innovative. We also have a healthy conversation about pet ownership and how many shoes is too many shoes!

Guests; Ashley Nguyen - College Innovation Network Coordinator, College of the North Atlantic, N.L. // David DiPietro - Senior Experiential Education Coordinator, Brock University, ON

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

Championing the end-to-end career of environmental professionals is no small task. On this episode I sit down with ECO Canada to talk about their Student Work Placement Program, training and mentorship and the value of obtaining program accreditation.

For more information on ECO Canada's SWP Program and funding check out their website

Guests: Sarah Casorso - Senior Manager, Employment Programs, ECO Canada  // Yana Jay - Senior Manager, Marketing & Sales, ECO Canada

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife

CEWIL Canada has seen a lot of changes over the past two years! As the organization prepares for it's Annual General Meeting (AGM) it's time to reflect back on these changes and look forward. On this episode I sit down with the current President and President-Elect of CEWIL Canada to chat about challenges, rewarding moments, insights for those looking to get involved, celebrity cooking and e-gaming.

Guests: Cara Krezek - CEWIL Canada President, Director, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON // Dr. Matt Rempel - CEWIL Canada President-Elect, Director, Career-Integrated Learning, Sheridan College, Oakville, ON

"Fallen Leaves" by Electric Wildlife