FNUniv Career Centre Team Explored New Opportunities for Work-Integrated Learning

The FNUniv Career Centre team attended the annual Cooperative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Conference in Ottawa, Ontario, May 19 – 22, 2026. The conference provided valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues from colleges and universities across Canada, share best practices, and explore strategies for incorporating work-integrated learning (WIL) into post-secondary education.

Career Centre Manager Tally Dufour highlighted the value of student-led approaches and innovation in career services, drawing on insights from the conference. The conference affirmed the Career Centre’s commitment to co-creation with students and introduced trends such as micro-internships and reverse career fairs. Presenters also inspired new ideas for a student workplace resilience workshop and an employer mentorship guide.

Veronica Josdal, Career Advisor, identified key takeaways on youth unemployment and employer demand for graduates with both education and practical experience, reinforcing the value of work-integrated learning. Veronica was particularly inspired by land-based learning and Indigenous ways of knowing and noted that as AI evolves, students can help bridge theory and practice while supporting workplace adaptation and change.

Cherish Alexson, the Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator, emphasized the lasting impact WIL experiences have on student growth and development. The confidence students gain through these experiences is often unmatched and evident in their later coursework, university involvement, and future careers. The transformative skills developed through WIL support student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Overall, the CEWIL Conference provided a valuable opportunity for the Career Centre team to engage in professional development. It delivered practical insights and innovative ideas relevant to those in post-secondary environments, such as instructors, career centre staff, co-op coordinators, and WIL professionals. The Career Centre is well-prepared to support work-integrated learning partnerships.

Submitted by: C. Alexson