For a WIL placement to be successful, the college or institute must ensure the student is adequately prepared. Colleges and institutes should:

• Develop and maintain relevant curricula which reflects the needs of employers, including VAC;
• Provide relevant academic training for students;
• Provide adequate resources for WIL placements;
• Meet VAC’s needs in terms of support;
• Act as a resource for students during the WIL placements; and
• Coordinate with the employer for evaluating student performance during the WIL placements.

NOTE: Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national association representing colleges and institutes. These resources have been developed by CICan and made available to students and representatives of VAC field offices and colleges and institutes. However, CICan is not responsible for the legal employment relationship between the employer and the student, the salary payment from the employer to the student, or management of the relationship between the employer and the student.

For a work placement to be successful, the employer and the student must establish an effective relationship. For the majority of placements, the student becomes an employee of the employing organization and should be treated as any other temporary employee as defined by the Employment Standards Act or a Collective Agreement.

Employers must:

• Put in place an employment contract with your student;
• Provide the student with an orientation to the workplace, including an overview of the organization (e.g., mission statement, products, etc.), physical layout, relevant personnel, safety practices, and the duties or tasks expected during the work term;
• Assign a supervisor for the student who will oversee the student’s work and discuss expectations for the work term and, on a regular basis, give the student feedback, including areas of strength and areas which require improvement;
• Advise the student, at the outset, with regard to all issues of confidentiality in the workplace and ensure that any non-disclosure agreements are signed prior to the commencement of work;
• Assist students to set realistic learning objectives and provide relevant learning opportunities;
• Acquaint the student with relevant resources and materials;
• Participate in the work-site visit or follow-up measures by the institution to assess the student’s progress and performance;
• Complete a final evaluation of the student’s performance during the work term, which they are encouraged to discuss with the student; and
• Provide the student with a meaningful work experience, in accordance with the VAC-WIL program criteria and the job description sent during the application process.

For a WIL placement to be successful, the student must conduct themselves in a professional manner in all their dealings with the staff and the clients. Students must adhere to the terms and conditions of their agreement and undertake their duties to meet the supervisor’s satisfaction.

This means the student will:

• Conform to all the conditions and rules that apply to VAC;
• Exercise ethical workplace conduct;
• Set goals for learning;
• Work on enhancing their academic, professional and personal skills;
• Maintain employer confidentiality;
• Accept feedback, suggestions for improvement in a positive manner;
• Participate in work-site visits;
• Resolve problems or issues that may arise in a prompt, professional manner;
• Advise the employer and their coordinator of any concerns or problems with their work assignment or environment as soon as an issue arises;
• Keep in contact with their WIL advisor;
• Complete a pre-employment training program prior to undertaking their first work term; and
• Complete a written mid-term and final evaluation.

Every good mentoring relationship starts with an agreement between both participants. This document formalizes commitment to the mentoring relationship. Items include individual goals, learning content, a meeting schedule, and communication methods.  

Make sure to set ample time to meet with your mentee. Make sure to provide your mentee with whatever resources they need to accomplish the tasks set before them. This will allow you to maximize success of the relationship.  

Active listening is an important skill for a mentor to have so stop, focus and listen.

Learn about their interests and aspirations at work and outside of work. Do your best to understand them. 

Find that dynamic balance between supporting and challenging them. Encourage risk-taking and the exploration of innovative and creative ideas.

Foster an environment where feedback is the most valuable resource. Give credit where credit is due to reinforce good behaviour and give advice on how to handle projects they may be struggling with. Also, allow room for your mentee to give you feedback.  

Provide your student with networking opportunities and give them the skills they need to develop a professional network. Take your mentee to conferences and introduce them to individuals who may be valuable resources or future collaborators.

It is important that a mentor serve as a role model for high standards of professionalism. This includes ensuring that discussion between you and your mentee is safe and confidential (if necessary). Create a safe space for mentees to ask questions and discuss concerns. 

Not everyone has the opportunity to be a mentor. Enjoy being proud of your mentees’ achievements and help them through their challenges. Remember that your mentee may turn out to be a very special, life-long colleague.