In just over three years, the Propel Student Work Placement Program has connected hundreds of employers and students across Canada for a wide variety of tourism-related roles.
Funded by the Government of Canada and coordinated by Tourism HR Canada, Propel connects employers with post-secondary students looking to complete a work-integrated learning (WIL) placement as part of their studies. Generous wage subsidies are available for each qualifying placement.
The program has proven to be an important pathway coming out of the pandemic, both for employers looking to rebuild their workforce and students looking to acquire hands-on skills and make industry connections.
Exit surveys offer a wealth of comments noting just how impactful the program has been, and the calibre of students it’s helping to engage. Employers reported a high level of satisfaction with students’ performance during the work placement experience, with all respondents stating the placement benefitted their company and nearly 85% stating they would consider hiring the student long term.
The student was motivated to learn, improve processes, share new ideas, and implement technology best practices to increase efficiencies in reporting and other projects.
They were an excellent addition—we learned from each other, and the Propel program made it possible to bring them onboard.
Worked above and beyond what was expected.
They’ve shown so much growth, and become comfortable with the business and how to grow it.
Hard working, took feedback well, liked by all.
They were responsible and committed to work and learning. A very good attitude, and an openness to getting and giving feedback.
Took initiative and responsibility.
When asked about future plans to use student work placements to support their human resources planning (e.g., integrating regular student work placements, using student work placements as a recruiting strategy, hiring previous students), employers stated they either were already or plan to employ student work placements to support their organization’s hiring practices. Among the reasons?
Students are the entry point for our industry, allowing us to develop skills and expertise that is unique to our requirements.
They support business needs and help us to acquire new knowledge.
By supporting potential tourism employees early, we support our own needs in the long run.
It is a great way for both students and organizations to confirm there is a match worth pursuing.
Propel is now open for winter WIL placements, and continues to accept applications for wage subsidies for fall semester placements. Find out more at the next monthly virtual information session, taking place Thursday, December 1 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time—registration is available here.