Hackathons/Competitions and Events

In a hackathon, team of students work together to solve a problem, complete a project, pitch a solution, or develop software over a short period of time.

Teams present their ideas to judges. Generally, hackathons revolve around a specific theme or challenge and are hosted by universities. Competitions are generally hosted by universities that partner with external hackathons, festivals, competitions, or events. Students can complete intensive activities for industry/university partners.

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Things to Consider

Innovation

High pressure, focused challenges revolving around a specific theme tend to bring out unique, creative solutions from students. This emerging WIL model requires a smaller time commitment and employers are exposed to an array of innovative solutions.

Employers can consider working with their organization, other partner organizations and/or PSIs to co-design a hackathon/competition revolving around a specific theme they hold expertise in. On the other hand, if employers would like to participate with less of a time commitment or if they want to learn more before co-designing, consider participating as a judge or mentor for an event.

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We haven't heard from stakeholders in your industry about the benefits of work-integrated learning. Please share your thoughts, expectations and experiences related to the benefits of work-integrated learning by emailing the BHER team.

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Other Benefits Specific to Your Industry and Sector

Building awareness among post-secondary students about career opportunities in your industry and business.
A mutual benefit for employers and students, since students get to test drive possible careers in the industry.
Using WIL to address and overcome pre-existing barriers within ones' industry in order to attract diverse talent.

In agriculture, work-integrated learning has not been something that has been done a whole lot, not very much at all. There are some post-secondary programs that do have co-op programs and some of those have been expanding, but by no means would it involve everybody. Part of that I think is because people who have entered into agriculture programs at post-secondary institutions have come from farms; they already had that experience, had that basic understanding of what it's like to work in the sector. But unfortunately there are fewer and fewer farm kids around who are available to go into programs. And so, we are beginning to rely on people without that basic understanding and knowledge. And that's where I see the work-integrated learning being a real opportunity for people to get an understanding of what the jobs are.
Senior Leader, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Hunting

Finance your WIL

Understanding the benefits of WIL sometimes isn’t enough -- sometimes you need financial supports to get a program up and off the ground! Check out our curated and comprehensive catalogue of federal, provincial and sectoral WIL funding and supports programs through our Financial Supports Catalogue.

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