Commerce Talks: Workplaces as Learning Spaces

Ontario’s labour market is changing rapidly, and many businesses now face skills gaps and labour shortages that limit productivity and growth. To unlock our full economic potential, we need to strengthen our talent pipeline, including preparing students for current and future jobs.  Work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences—such as a co-ops and internships—form a critical bridge between education and employment, equipping learners with real-world skills, professional networks, and confidence that prepare them to enter the workforce. Both employers and students are now calling for more meaningful, accessible WIL opportunities to help students make the leap from education to employment. Can WIL programs deliver the skilled, diverse workforce our economy needs? What are the barriers to creating meaningful and productive experiences for students and employers? And what factors will shape the future of WIL in Ontario? Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, is joined by Ana Serrano, President & Vice Chancellor, OCAD; Kelly Hoey, Executive Director, Halton Industry Education Council, ApprenticeSearch.com & Ontario Career Lab; and Nour Hage, President & CEO, Civiconnect, to discuss the opportunities and challenges to making WIL work for all of us. Are you an employer hiring post-secondary students on quality WIL placements related to their field of study? If so, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $5,000 per student. Learn more about how to apply for funding via the OCC’s Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) here: https://occ.ca/talent-opportunities-program/ To learn more about the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, visit our website here: https://occ.ca