When students receive work-integrated learning they enter into jobs in their field of study more frequently, and they largely report higher job satisfaction, according to Statistics Canada.

Employers are also more likely to access high-quality student talent, and fill candidate placements for their organizations when they take part in work-integrated learning (WIL) program.

To meet the demand of both students and employers in Calgary, Calgary Work Integrated Learning along with operational partner Calgary Economic Development are launching TalentED—an online WIL platform—as a pilot program.

“The TalentED YYC platform will help ready our workforce by connecting students with local employers, enabling them to gain the on-the-job experience they need to jump-start their careers in Calgary,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.

TalentED YYC can be accessed at www.talentedyyc.com.

Prior to the launch of the portal, students and employers would have to engage individually with institutions.

The goal of the new portal is to provide employers with the ability to reach a larger talent pool through resources, templates, and centralized job postings.

For students, it also means a one-stop-shop for getting internships, co-ops, practicums, field placements, projects, and community service opportunities.

Funding provided by Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, and Future Skills Centre

Partner institutions include Ambrose University, AU Arts, Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University, SAIT, St. Mary’s University, the University of Calgary, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and Calgary Economic Development.

The program is being funded by the Government of Canada by $1.2 million, along with previous funding of $2.9 million from the Future Skills Centre, and $2.5 million from Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education.

“The TalentED YYC platform provides an important avenue for post-secondary students to access the hands-on training and skills they need to thrive in our high-tech economy,” said Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.

“Our partnership with Calgary Economic Development on this innovative initiative will help connect Calgary’s technology sector with a new generation of talented workers to drive the growth and competitiveness of local businesses for years to come.”

The TalentED pilot is set to run until 2025.