Welcome to the Work-Integrated Learning Program
The Business Council’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program was established in 2022 in conjunction with the Council’s Indigenous Education Awards Program. The goal of the WIL Program is to increase Indigenous representation in the labour market and specifically, in Council member businesses while providing a safe and valuable work experience opportunity for the awards recipients.
Discovering the Benefits of the WIL
The Business Council of Manitoba conducted a review of its Indigenous Education Awards Program (IEAP). IEAP provides financial awards to Indigenous post-secondary students based on financial need, while requiring the students to maintain the minimum scholastic standards of their program.
The review made several recommendations for improvement to the 20-year-old IEAP. The major gap identified in the IEAP was the lack of a WIL component, no work placements, no organized mentorship, and lack of networking opportunities for participants.
Further, Business Council members indicated increasing Indigenous recruitment and retention is a priority for industry. The increased awareness of multi-generational trauma and systemic barriers within organizations, combined with a spirit of Reconciliation and the awards review results, have led to an opportunity to create an innovative, integrated work program to increase Indigenous inclusion in industry.
WHO QUALIFIES
If you have been awarded a Business Council of Manitoba Indigenous Award, you are eligible to participate in the WIL program provided you meet the following criteria:
If you are receiving funding from other sources, you may still apply for this Award to cover additional costs.
The Work Integrated Learning program is sponsored by
Thank you to our sponsors for your support of WIL
INDIGENOUS EDUCATIONS AWARDS PROGRAM (IEAP)
The Business Council of Manitoba’s Indigenous Education Awards Program was established in 2001. Over the years, the program has partnered with various levels of government and the Winnipeg Foundation to provide over 2,600 awards totaling more than $6 million to Indigenous students.
The Business Council is committed to assist in providing opportunities for Indigenous Manitobans to achieve a post-secondary education and contributed to moving our province forward toward a better future.