Work-Integrated Learning
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a purposeful, planned and assessed work-based experience that comes in many forms, including practicum courses, co-ops, service learning, and more. At KPU, students have the opportunity to integrate learning with its application in employment and/or community settings.
For employers, hiring students can bring new ideas that companies need. These experiences may lead to the hiring of future employees. For students, WIL experiences are an opportunity to practice what you have learned in class and apply it in workplace and/or community settings. These hands-on experiences can facilitate networking as you introduce yourself to prospective future employers and/or community leaders.
Ways that partners can engage with students
Need Help Thinking of a Project Idea?*
*These are examples of real projects at KPU, but mixed up! Sometimes it creates some unexpected combinations…
Work-Integrated Learning at KPU
Faculty Showcase
April Holland - Faculty of Health
"I have always had an interest in health promotion and helping others, and psychiatric nursing at KPU was the perfect fit. A year into my program at KPU I had to take time away from my studies. It was a challenge, but it helped me learn how to balance my priorities and it sparked a personal interest in student health, which is actually tied to my master’s thesis. Now, I’m a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, and back at KPU as a faculty member. The university has always been extremely supportive of me, even after I finished ‘paying tuition’."
Thiago Bazzi - Wilson School of Design
Meet Thiago Bazzi, Product Developer at Arc’teryx, as he shares how the Technical Apparel program at The Wilson School of Design elevated his design knowledge and career
KPU Brew - Faculty of Science
KPU Brewing students come from diverse backgrounds and have more than just a passion for craft beer.
They demonstrate a deep interest in science in areas such as biology, chemistry, engineering and technology, as well as areas like business, marketing and food.
Rimi Afroze - Faculty of Science
When I was preparing to return to my education, I applied to several universities. I chose KPU, ultimately, as most of my previous credits could be transferred and there was a community feeling here. I’m amazed by the encouragement and support I’ve received in my journey at KPU. People from every sphere of the university, whether they’re faculty, staff, or students are truly inspiring, helpful, and they motivate others. If you bring your thought to light, KPU will make it an action.
CADD Technologies - Faculty of Science
This program prepares students for a career as a CADD/Drafting Technician. Using the most advanced CADD (Computer Aided Design Drafting) software, students will learn to produce drawings from concept sketches, design information, codes and specifications as per industry standards for production by builders and manufacturers.
Sustainable Agriculture - Faculty of Science
Connect your passions with skills to build a career that contributes to a more sustainable food system. From science and engineering to policy and business, knowledge can make you a powerful force for change. Program graduates find work not only in agriculture, but also in fields as diverse as planning and development, resource management, research, politics, government, non-government organizations, and other related businesses.
Henry Flowers - Melville School of Business
Henry Flowers chose KPU for its smaller classes, proximity, affordability, and course flexibility. At KPU, he formed lasting relationships through programs that have helped fuel his career.
Taylor Lanphear - Faculty of Arts
Building relationships with peers and instructors is not just encouraged but is a cornerstone of success. Taylor's journey, from KPU criminology student to law school, showcases the importance of getting involved and engaging in new and exciting opportunities! Take Taylor's advice, build your network and seize opportunities for growth to build your successful future.
Francesca Hoock - Faculty of Science
Francesca Hoock, an Environmental Protection Technology (EPT) graduate from KPU, values her co-op and field experience from the program. She credits those opportunities for preparing her for her current job at an environmental consulting company.
Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives
Employers
Learn about Funding Opportunities for Hiring KPU Students.
Co-operative Education
Gain related work experience in your field of study that helps you acquire key specialty skills and clarify your career and educational goals and interests before you graduate.
Canadian Pilot Cohort
The Canadian Pilot Cohort (CPC) of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification Activating change in higher education, to advance community engagement as a mutual and reciprocal process.
Service Learning Assistants Program
This award will advance a pilot program for service learning assistants, which will empower exceptional student-learners to help ensure service learning projects are transformative, meaningful, and reciprocal.
Guidebooks and Resources
Students
About KPU
For more than 40 years, Kwantlen Polytechnic University has provided students the skills they need for the careers they want. KPU offers a range of degree, diploma, certificate, and citation programs with opportunities for hands-on experience and experiential learning. We encourage students and external partners to work together since it gives students an opportunity to apply attitudes, skills, and knowledge in an employment or community setting.
Contact
For more information about Work-Integrated Learning, please contact:
For more information about programs and courses at KPU, please contact the Future Students' Office:
604.599.3030
study@kpu.ca
For university-wide initiatives, contact:
Larissa Petrillo, PhD
Lead Advisor, Work-Integrated Learning, Office of the Provost & Vice-President, Academic
larissa.petrillo@kpu.ca