Ottawa [September 22, 2025] The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) has received a new three-year, $9.4 million federal investment to create thousands of work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students across Canada and strengthen the national WIL ecosystem that connects employers, post-secondary institutions, and learners.
Supported by the Government of Canada through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the WIL Partnerships 3.0 program will support the creation of 8,000 WIL opportunities – including co-ops, internships, industry projects, and applied research projects – while engaging 2,500 private-sector employers across the country. The program will bridge the gap between school and work by ensuring students develop in-demand skills and businesses gain access to emerging talent.
“Work-integrated learning transforms how young people prepare for the future of work. With this funding, BHER will not only create thousands of opportunities but also ensure the ecosystem is stronger, more inclusive, and better aligned with industry needs,” says Val Walker, CEO of the Business + Higher Education Roundtable.
Two Pillars of Impact
The new funding will advance two complementary pillars of work:
- Create WIL Opportunities: Expanding curricular and industry paid-WIL models across strategic sectors such as clean tech, construction, digital transformation, and life sciences.
- Strengthen the Ecosystem: Engaging employers through BHER’s national network and role as Canada’s leading cross sector convenor and driver of change.
"Canada’s future depends on giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in a fast-changing economy. Through this investment, we are partnering with employers and post-secondary institutions to help students gain real-world work experience, and provide businesses with access to the talent they need to innovate and grow,” says the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Expanding Reach and Building on Success
The funding extends BHER’s current programming until March 31, 2028. Leveraging its member network and new partnerships, BHER will co-develop proposals with employers, expand access in underserved and priority regions, including French-speaking Québec, the West Coast, Prairies, and the Northern Territories, and continue to deliver WIL experiences that align with Canada’s industrial policies.
Since 2015, BHER has played a national leadership role in scaling both curricular WIL and industry-paid placements. The WIL Partnerships 3.0 project is part of BHER’s broader mission to strengthen Canada’s talent pipeline, support equitable pathways for students, and address skills gaps that directly impact national productivity and innovation.
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Media Contacts:
Nicolle Wahl
Director of Communications
Business + Higher Education Roundtable
nicolle.wahl@bher.ca
Gabrielle Landry
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca
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.