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November 8, 2022

BHER Launches WIL partnership Request for Proposals with a focus on building talent for a net zero economy

The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is excited to announce the launch of its first 2022-25 work-integrated learning (WIL) partnership request for proposals, Building Talent Pathways for a Net Zero Economy, made possible by generous support from the Government of Canada.  

BHER has a goal to create accessible and inclusive pathways to green jobs through WIL. By equipping post-secondary students with green skills, we are supporting a strategic and graceful transition to a net zero economy. 

We are interested in proposals from all regions of the country, in either official language, and focused on any student or employer sub-group. 

We are particularly interested in proposals focused on the development of new green skills that employers require.  BHER encourages applicants to consider submitting proposals in one of the following priority areas:

  • Green talent development in priority sectors such as manufacturing and utilities, construction, transportation, clean energy, and carbon capture, usage, and storage;
  • Supporting WIL-based solutions to the green talent needs of small and medium-sized enterprises;
  • Green talent development in rural, remote, and Northern communities; and
  • Improving foundational green skills required across the workforce.

Our WIL program aims to help every student in Canada get a WIL opportunity before they graduate.  WIL has been proven to benefit students, employers, and the economy.

Interested organizations are encouraged to visit bher.ca/rfp, where they will find detailed instructions for submitting a proposal.

The deadline for applications is December 5, 2022.

Quotes

Dr. Valerie Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Business + Higher Education Roundtable
“We are pleased to be offering work-integrated learning partnerships that will support Canada’s transition to a net zero economy. By equipping post-secondary students with green skills, we are building Canada’s talent pipeline, and supporting employers as they adapt to meet the needs of a green economy. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for reinforcing it’s shared commitment with BHER to prepare young people to enter the work force.” 

Andrew Bieler, Director of Partnerships & Experiential Learning 
“We need to find new ways of working together to scale up green talent pathways. I’m looking forward to seeing proposals that find artful ways of balancing scale, impact, and sustainability while responding to the pressing challenge of Canada's net zero transition.”

About the Business + Higher Education Roundtable: 
The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization bringing together some of Canada’s largest companies and leading post-secondary institutions. Since 2015, BHER has worked to harness the strengths of Canada’s business and post-secondary education sectors to build opportunities for young Canadians, boost innovation and drive collaboration. Learn more at www.bher.ca.

Media Contact: 
BHER Communications
comms@bher.ca