Co-op & Career Development Centre Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Since 1982, Langara has provided Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities that enhance academic experiences and offer a head start on career exploration.
Experiential education opportunities are available for all students at Langara, from first-year to graduation, through program-integrated co-ops, internships, and practicums, as well as short-term service-learning trips and volunteer experiences. Langara has engaged partnerships with employers and organizations committed to students’ progression and success in their careers. Whether it sparks an entrepreneurial passion, enhances employability, or inspires lifelong learning, WIL is an integrated learning path that provides students with various directions to pursue their passions and interests while achieving their academic goals.
What is Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)?
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is “learning by doing” and this type of applied learning happens in a variety of ways. WIL can be within individual courses or as part of a larger program structure. For example, students in our Business, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, and Biology programs have the option of alternating academic terms with paid work terms. In the new Strategic Plan, Langara College would like every student to have the opportunity to participate in some type of WIL during their time at Langara. Through our research, we found that many students are not aware of how to find these opportunities. We aim to provide students with more opportunities to learn about WIL.
I spent a lot of my time at BC Children's Hospital getting to know the nurses and seeing the impact they had on my friend throughout his life. That's what initially inspired me to pursue nursing."
Showing vulnerability by asking questions and being curious is the best advice I can offer to any student. Be like a curious little cat and keep learning!
Examples of WIL at Langara include:
- Working on a CityStudio Vancouver applied project plan idea within a Geography course
- Paid full-time Co-op work terms, applying classroom theory in a workplace
- Completing one of eleven required clinical practicums within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Finishing a Post-Degree Diploma program with a one term paid work experience immediately prior to graduation
- Participating in one of many Field Schools which combines classroom study with in-field or in-country experience
- Contributing skills and interest in Applied Research with campus research initiatives and projects
