Fall has arrived, and it’s time for back to school! For many employers, it is also time to be on the lookout for skilled talent. EMILI’s Manager of Skills and Talent Rachel LeClair encourages employers to consider hiring student placements through work-integrated learning (WIL) programs.
“WIL is a cost-effective way to fill short-term staffing needs or get help on special projects while getting more students interested in digital agriculture, and introducing them to career opportunities in an exciting and diverse sector,” said LeClair.
Connecting with students
Post-secondary students bring unique knowledge, ideas, resourcefulness, and ambition into the workplace. University and college co-op offices are a great starting point to make connections with student employees. For example:
- University of Manitoba’s Science Co-op Program connects interested employers with a talented group of pre-screened students to develop the next generation of leaders in the digital economy, research, and science. While funding is not provided through their office, they do provide employers a job posting portal as well as support recruiting, interviewing, and hiring students for four or eight month work terms. To learn more about Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 placements, email scicoop@umanitoba.ca or contact Co-op Coordinator Lisa Wise at Lisa.Wise@umanitoba.ca.
- Assiniboine Community College offers various forms of work-integrated learning such as co-op and practicum work placements. Email WIL@assiniboine.net for more information.
- University of Winnipeg offers internships in many fields. allowing students to develop hands-on work experience. Email experientiallearning@uwinnipeg.ca to learn more.
In 2023, Gisela Sanchez took part in an EMILI internship as part of an AI Diploma program at the University in Winnipeg. She graduated with a full time role in her field.
“This experience changed my perspective on agriculture and how powerful AI can be in it. It was great to see firsthand the amazing work EMILI is doing to accelerate digital agriculture,” she said.
Accessing funding
EMILI maintains a list of WIL funding opportunities to help digital agriculture employers access the resources they need to hire students. ICTC’s WIL Digital Program and CAHRC’s AgriTalent Program are currently accepting funding applications.
EMILI maintains a resource page highlighting WIL funding opportunities.
ICTC WIL Digital Program provides funding for Canadian employers to offer post-secondary students work placements within the digital economy. This program provides 50% of a student’s salary up to $5,000, or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented students. For students hired through the WIL Digital Program, ICTC offers access to exclusive digital e-learning courses to develop foundational technology, business, and entrepreneurship skills. Apply today or email wil_digital@ictc-ctic.ca for more information.
CAHRC’s AgriTalent Program supports the development of connections between post-secondary students and employers to prepare a job ready workforce. This program offers wage subsidies of up to $5,000, or up to a maximum of $7,000 (for under-represented groups) for employers in the agriculture industry to hire students. Employers should be willing to hire students from both agriculture and non-agriculture backgrounds to provide quality work-integrated learning experiences. Apply today or email AgriTalent Program Manager Kelsey Courtney at kcourtney@cahrc-ccrha.ca for more information.
Find the right funding for you.
Work-integrated learning programs bring together industry and academia to help strengthen the digital agriculture ecosystem and talent pipeline. Employers can leverage funding for placements, while giving students an opportunity to develop relevant skills.
“We want to create pathways to introduce people to digital agriculture careers, and not just people from traditional agricultural backgrounds, but people from different sectors with transferable skills,” said LeClair.
Finding the right funding for your organization can be complicated. If you’re unsure where to start, EMILI’s Skills and Talent team is here to help. Connect with us today for supporting navigating wage subsidies and other resources.
Visit Skills and Talent to learn about EMILI’s work to engage people with digital agriculture careers.