The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, today announced renewed funding for the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) program to boost innovation and prosperity while also reviving the nation’s labour market.
The investment of $17.1 million over the next three years will facilitate the creation and expansion of over 22,300 WIL opportunities for students across Canada.
Dr. Valerie Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Business + Higher Education Roundtable said on investment renewal “We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Canada for renewing its investment in BHER and for doubling down on our shared commitment to preparing post-secondary students for the world of work.”
He further added “Reinvesting in BHER means working together to build capacity for WIL in Canada and strengthening collaboration in the WIL ecosystem, while making WIL more inclusive and diverse so more students gain the skills employers are looking for and more employers find the talent they need.”
Employers want post-secondary graduates with practical skills who can enter the Canadian labour market immediately. Work-integrated learning (WIL) programmes provide essential skill development and ease entry into the workforce, bridging the gap between post-secondary students and businesses.
In priority areas aimed at under-represented groups, BHER will make use of its renewed programme funding and current partnerships to provide them with the resources and tools necessary to acquire vital work-ready skills.
The WIL programmes offered by BHER will enhance existing abilities through on-the-job learning. These internships aid students in developing their technical and soft skills as well as their professional networks and gaining an understanding of corporate culture for post-secondary students.
BHER was first introduced in 2015 and has supported nearly 40,000 WIL opportunities for students across Canada.