In a recent Trending in Education podcast episode, host Mike Palmer and Riipen CEO Dana Stephenson discuss the importance of integrating work-integrated learning (WIL) into postsecondary education. Stephenson highlights how WIL provides students with valuable experiences, social connections, and opportunities for portfolio development. Moreover, employers benefit from fresh talent and support with deliverables, while postsecondary institutions gain insights into how they can align their curriculum with industry needs. Stephenson also emphasizes the value of project-based learning, especially for employers and educators who do not have the resources to implement formal co-op or internship programs. Palmer and Stephenson conclude that project-based learning can ultimately be transformative for students, employers, and educators who are seeking to tackle the experience gap head-on.
