Mentor the future workforce of Nanaimo
VIU students from over 80 different programs have the opportunity to take part in work-integrated learning (WIL). This means they can gain real work experience while they study.
These students are eager to learn, full of energy, and ready to bring their skills to your team.
You can read more about:
- Steps to bring a student into your workplace
- Testimonials and stories about our WIL industry partners
- Helpful resources for employers
Take a look and see how a VIU student could help your team grow!
How to hire a WIL student
- What particular skills are you looking for? Take a look at our program offerings to see which academic area aligns best.
- For how long do you want to work with a student? WIL opportunities are generally short-term, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
- Paid WIL: co-ops and apprenticeships.
- Unpaid WIL: clinical placements, mandatory professional practicums, field placements, and service learning
- Paid/unpaid WIL: Internships, work experience, and community research may be paid or unpaid depending on the program.
- Experience Hub is VIU’s online platform for career and work-integrated learning opportunities. Employers can post co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, and other paid WIL positions at no cost.
- Salary details are required for all postings except for non-profit organizations, which may advertise volunteer roles.
- Need help getting started?
Contact us at cel@viu.ca for support with setting up your employer account and connecting with WIL programs that align with your project or hiring needs.
- If your opportunity is unpaid and you need support to connect to a WIL program, such as field placements or practicums, contact cel@viu.ca for guidance.
Post your WIL opportunity
Unlock funding to grow your team
Considering hiring a VIU WIL student? Employers can receive up to $7,000 per student through federal and BC funding programs—covering 50–70% of wages—when they hire a WIL student. These grant opportunities make it easier and more affordable to bring fresh talent into your organization.
See how hiring a student can benefit your team.
VIU employers win provincial recognition
Nanaimo Innovation Academy (NIA) received the 2024 ACE-WIL Industry Partner of the Year Award for their work mentoring dozens of VIU Early Childhood Education and Care students. Pictured here is NIA's Executive Director, Keely Freeman, receiving the award from VIU's Coordinator of WIL Initiatives, Karolien Soylu.
The WIL award for 2024 recognizes ACE-WIL industry partners that have demonstrated a strong commitment to work integrated learning, through the support and hiring of WIL students.
The Greater of Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce received an Honourable Mention for the 2024 ACE-WIL Industry Partner of the Year Award for their mentorship of our graphic design and MBA students. They have also been consistent participants in VIU's Career Fairs and Industry Partner Roundtable events.
VIU launches WIL awards for industry partners in 2024
In an effort to elevate work-integrated learning and recognize all the amazing local partners that work with us to mentor students and build a future generation of workers for our local economy, we recognized five amazing industry partners this Spring at our WIL Awards Ceremony. Below you can learn more about what makes each of these organizations special.
We also recognized 7 WIL Student of the Year winners.
VIU Industry Partner of the Year 2024
Nanaimo Innovation Academy - Keely Freeman
"Nanaimo Innovation Academy has been an excellent partner to VIU's ECEC program. They generously welcome our ECEC 130 students for site visits, even stepping in at the last minute when other locations have had to cancel. They support our students at every stage of their practicums, from initial observational placements to full-time, eight-week immersive experiences." Kim Cameron, ECEC Instructor
Honourable Mention
The Wine Works - Fiona Berry and Blair Dillen
"Blair and Fiona's commitment to my growth has been extraordinary. Blair ensures that I get the most out of every learning opportunity, while Fiona consistently shares valuable resources and collaborates with me on experimenting with new marketing techniques and trends." Alison Kuenzig, Tourism Management Student
Honourable Mention
Leap XD - Neil Tran
"I am incredibly grateful to Neil and the entire Leap XD team for this experience and the welcoming, vibrant work culture. I would not have the same level of confidence in my design abilities and the drive to continue learning that I do now that I've worked with such an incredible team in a studio environment." Celia Brand, Graphic Design Student
Honourable Mention
Lil' Ones Early Learning Centre - Janet Fletcher
"Janet has been a devoted partner to our ECEC program for over 11 years. Janet upholds a high standards in her program, ensuring that both the children she cares for and the students she mentors receive the best possible experiences. Janet is an active, involved mentor, guiding students through all five of their practicums with a wealth of experience and insight." Jamie Covey, Early Childhood Education Instructor
Honourable Mention
Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce - Corry Gervais
"The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is not just a workplace. It's a place where careers are built, where students are mentored into professionals, and where leadership is nurtured. The didn't just provide me with an opportunity. They gave me a platform to grow, lead, and contribute." Rinny Jose, MBA Student
Testimonials from employers
“Our experience with the Vancouver Island University (VIU) internship processes, particularly the recruitment and evaluation phases, has been highly positive. The interactions with the work-integrated learning faculty have been seamless and supportive, ensuring that the internship experience is beneficial for all parties involved. We appreciate VIU's professional approach and look forward to future collaborations.”
- David Michels, Geeks on the Beach
“We recognize the importance of developing editors, designers, writers, proofers, production coordinators, etc. By hosting interns, we believe we are being given an opportunity to ensure that there will be people coming out of the program with an interest in publishing books in Canada. We always appreciate that taking the time to explain to students how the industry and Caitlin Press operates presents an opportunity for us to evaluate and improve our processes.”
- Vici Johnstone, Caitlin Press