Access Student Talent
The recruitment and retention of skilled talent in Merritt and the Nicola Valley has been a persistent challenge for businesses in the region. Small and medium sized businesses are facing challenges to adapt, all while continuing to hire and train new talent and grow their operations.
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We believe that there is an opportunity to address these challenges via work-integrated learning (WIL) — a model of learning that bridges the classroom and the workplace, allowing students to put their skills and education to practical use for your organization!
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To make this happen, we've partnered with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). Together, we will work to develop a strong and more sustainable local economy by connecting businesses in Merritt and the Nicola Valley with a ready supply of student talent from our educational partner, NVIT, and academic institutions across the province.
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Help shape the region’s incoming workforce
by participating in our WIL initiative today!
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Watch the video below to learn more about how
NVIT students can work with you!
Benefits to your organization
GET WORK DONE
Do you have work that needs to get done but don’t have the staff to do it? Whether you’re looking to lighten the workload of current staff or add additional human resources to a high priority project – WIL students can provide your business with short-term, cost-effective support that addresses your business needs.
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REDUCE YOUR RECRUITMENT AND HIRING COSTS
Employers can enjoy access to a year-round supply of highly motivated and capable students. Students are available from anywhere between 2-4 weeks, or 4-12 months! This makes WIL students particularly good options for employers looking to fill short term staffing needs due to vacation schedules, transfers, promotions, training commitments, peak workloads etc.
There are also several types of provincial and federal funding available for your business to help you offset the cost of hiring a student, including wage subsidies of up to $7000!
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FEED YOUR TALENT PIPELINE & INVEST IN COMMUNITY GROWTH
Working with co-op students on a short-term basis is a low-risk and cost-effective way to find star employees to hire after graduation. You can assess students’ skill sets and test for cultural fit throughout a work placement.
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WIL also provides the opportunity for employers to directly influence the educational process. For example, at NVIT, suggestions on how to make curriculum more relevant are encouraged. Employers are considered co-educators as they provide learning opportunities beyond the bounds of the classroom. Employers share in the training and development of students to help them become productive members of society and potential leaders.
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GET WORK DONE
Do you have work that needs to get done but don’t have the staff to do it? Whether you’re looking to lighten the workload of current staff or add additional human resources to a high priority project – WIL students can provide your business with short-term, cost-effective support that addresses your business needs.
​
REDUCE YOUR RECRUITMENT AND HIRING COSTS
Employers can enjoy access to a year-round supply of highly motivated and capable students. Students are available from anywhere between 2-4 weeks, or 4-12 months! This makes WIL students particularly good options for employers looking to fill short term staffing needs due to vacation schedules, transfers, promotions, training commitments, peak workloads etc.
​
FEED YOUR TALENT PIPELINE & INVEST IN COMMUNITY GROWTH
Working with co-op students on a short-term basis is a low-risk and cost-effective way to find star employees to hire after graduation. You can assess students’ skill sets and test for cultural fit throughout a work placement.
​
WIL also provides the opportunity for employers to directly influence the educational process. For example, at NVIT, suggestions on how to make curriculum more relevant are encouraged. Employers are considered co-educators as they provide learning opportunities beyond the bounds of the classroom. Employers share in the training and development of students to help them become productive members of society and potential leaders.
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