Work Integrated Learning - What works for whom? A preliminary evaluation of the IntegratED program for immigrants and international students

In Manitoba, the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, with all sectors facing shortages of workers with digital skills and some sectors like agriculture and food and beverage manufacturing struggling to attract and retain talent. At the same time, domestic and international students face significant challenges when pursuing STEM education and careers. Domestic students in Canada often face inadequate preparation in secondary education, as the high school system may not provide a strong foundation in STEM subjects. International students encounter additional barriers to staying in Canada after graduation, including the lack of recognition of international credentials, difficulties obtaining permanent residence status, and cultural barriers to integration. 

Work-integrated learning (WIL) programs serve as a mechanism to help individuals gain skills and work experience while bridging the gap between employer needs and the skills graduates bring to the workforce. However, these programs are often criticized for lacking diversity data or not offering tailored wraparound supports for equity-deserving groups, such as persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples.

The IntegratED program was designed to address the skills gap and labour market challenges in Manitoba’s food and beverage manufacturing industry by providing skills training and work experience to support international students and recent newcomer graduates in STEM fields. Informed by consultations with 27 Manitoba employers and educational stakeholders, the program was designed to train, integrate and retain international students and recent newcomer graduates in STEM and help them overcome employment barriers both pre- and post-graduation. 

Participants and employers were invited to share feedback pre- and post-program through surveys and interviews. This data was used to understand program successes and challenges and guide future improvements to the delivery of WIL opportunities. 

• Importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in WIL Programs: The IntegratED program shows the need for inclusive WIL models that support equity-deserving groups. Research notes that existing WIL programs lack diversity data to understand program outcomes or offer targeted wraparound supports for equity-deserving groups. Future initiatives should incorporate equity and inclusion principles to ensure both participants and employers feel supported and can meaningfully participate. 
• Importance of collaboration between employers and post-secondary institutions: The IntegratED program showed that industry-academic partnerships provide opportunities for students to improve workforce readiness by aligning educational curricula with employers' needs. Many STEM programs do not adequately reflect industry needs, in terms of professional and soft skills and work experience, which creates obstacles for graduates. WIL programs, such as co-op programs and internships can be strengthened when designed in collaboration with employers. 

• Offer a pathway to permanent residency: Establish a pathway to permanent residency for international students in high-demand sectors to support smoother transitions to long-term employment while filling critical shortages in high-demand occupations. Collaborate with the government and target areas with skill shortages to help retain essential talent.
• Reduce underemployment of skilled immigrants: Improve language skills, address barriers to recognizing foreign credentials and experience, and provide tailored support for successful labour market integration. Encourage employer initiatives.
• Upskill and reskill the workforce: Invest in programs that provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the existing workforce to keep pace with technological advancements and changing job market demands.