The federal government will provide new funding to create 8,000 additional work-integrated learning placements for students with private sector employers by March 2028, aiming to address workforce development needs across Canada.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced the expanded support for the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) on Monday, building on the organization’s previous success in creating more than 22,300 work-integrated learning opportunities between 2022 and 2025, according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
The initiative will directly engage 2,500 more private sector employers in work-integrated learning programs, with particular focus on strengthening opportunities for francophone students in Quebec and francophone communities nationwide, the government said.
Building workforce connections
Work-integrated learning allows students to gain practical experience while helping businesses access new talent pools. The program connects post-secondary institutions with employers to create structured workplace learning opportunities.
BHER engaged more than 6,000 employers in its previous three-year mandate, according to the government. The organization will use user-informed tools to support both businesses and students while participating in over 30 industry events to promote work-integrated learning opportunities.
“Expanding work-integrated learning is essential to equip students for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs and to connect growing Canadian businesses with the talent they need,” Joly said in the announcement.
Measuring program success
The government expects 80 per cent of participating students to report improved workforce readiness and job prospects after completing work-integrated learning placements, according to the announcement. Similarly, 80 per cent of participating employers should report increased organizational productivity and improved talent recruitment through the program.
BHER will also focus on increasing access for francophone and equity-deserving student groups, the government said.
“Work-integrated learning transforms how young people prepare for the future of work,” said Val Walker, CEO of the Business + Higher Education Roundtable. “With this funding, BHER will not only create thousands of opportunities but also ensure the ecosystem is stronger, more inclusive and better aligned with industry needs.”
The funding supports the government’s broader economic strategy to build what it calls the fastest growing economy in the G7 through skilled workforce development.
