Introduction

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is an innovative and transformative approach to education that seamlessly integrates classroom theory with real-world practice. At NSCC, work-integrated learning provides students with invaluable opportunities to gain work experience. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and community partners, develop employment readiness skills, enhance their classroom-based learning through real world applications, and grow their professional networks.

Most NSCC programs have a work-integrated learning component. As an industry/community partner, you are an active participant in the education journey, affording our students a genuine chance to put their skills into practice and apply the knowledge they have acquired in both classroom and laboratory settings.

Work-integrated Learning involves a three-way partnership between the student, employer and NSCC, and each party plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the partnerships.

At NSCC, we have five expansive work experience categories tailored to prepare students for their future careers in their chosen professional or occupational fields:

Field Experiences

Students engage in a diverse array of work-related experiences, which may be either paid or unpaid. These field experiences are closely linked to specific courses and are mandatory for graduation. The frequency, duration and timing of a field experience may differ depending on the NSCC program. However, the most typical field experience spans approximately 175 hours, lasting for about 5 weeks, and takes place during the third semester (April-May).

Co-operative Education (co-op)

Enabling students to “earn while they learn,” the co-op program provides a unique opportunity to acquire invaluable experiences as they advance towards their second year of studies, graduation, and eventual employment in their desired career path. Co-op placements offer paid full-time employment, lasting 12-16 weeks, (420-640 hours) depending on the program, strategically scheduled between the students’ first and second year of study. This immersive work experience enriches their educational journey and equips them with practical skills and industry insights.

Internships

NSCC offers two specialized programs, International Business and Ocean’s Technology, which incorporate a valuable and mandatory internship component. Internships are paid and occur during the final semester, lasting between 14-16 weeks of full-time employment. These internships are an important part of a student’s studies, giving them practical experience and a chance to use their skills in real-life situations before they enter their chosen careers.

Professional Practice

Unpaid work placements are mandatory for obtaining a professional license or designation in various fields, including clinical placement, practicums, preceptorships and more. These hands-on experiences provide students with practical training and the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Such placements are essential for developing the necessary skills and competence required for a successful career in their chosen professions.

Sea Time

Allows students to apply the knowledge and skills essential for working aboard a vessel. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid, with varying durations and terms depending on the program, encompassing fall, winter, spring, or summer. Several marine programs at NSCC have sea time requirements, governed by guidelines established by Transport Canada. Sea time can be fulfilled by gaining experience on both Canadian and international merchant ships.

CEWIL Canada defines Work-integrated learning as “a form of curricular experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization, and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of student learning objectives and outcomes related to: employability, agency, knowledge and skill mobility and life-long learning.”

At NSCC, although our work-integrated learning types may differ, our categories closely align with CEWIL Canada’s definitions.

If you have any questions related to hiring a student, work experience or work-integrated learning please email NSCC’s Career & Employment Services team at workexperience@nscc.ca