Federal government announces renewed funding for work placement opportunities for post-secondary students

TORONTO — On Sep. 29, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced renewed funding for the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) program.

The $17.1 million investment over the next 3 years will enable the creation and scaling of over 22,300 WIL opportunities for students across Canada. BHER will leverage its renewed program funding and existing partnerships in focus areas aimed at under-represented groups, giving them the resources and tools needed to obtain crucial work-ready skills. BHER will also focus on developing partnerships to support skills and talent development needed for a transition to a net-zero economy.

The WIL programs provided through BHER will build on existing skills with on-the-job placements. These placements help students get a sense of workplace culture, experience the true industry environment, enhance their soft skills and technical skills, and build professional networks.

As part of the renewed mandate, BHER will continue to develop innovative tools and resources that will be added to its free-to-use WIL Hub to help employers explore, invest in and create quality work-integrated learning opportunities.

“Our government knows how important it is to continue supporting organizations that are leaders in the growth and development of Canada’s next generation of working professionals. The Business + Higher Education Roundtable and its partners are paving the way in providing post-secondary students with the diverse, quality work opportunities needed to meet the skills needs of Canada’s world-class workforce. Our government is proud to be a part of this continued success, and I cannot wait to see the positive impacts this will make on Canadian organizations and students.” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.