Capilano University and North Vancouver Chamber to partner on work-integrated learning program
Program enables students to apply learning and support local small businesses
PDF version: Work Integrated learning partnership of CapU-North Van Chamber
North Vancouver B.C. November 27, 2020 – Capilano University and the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce are supporting students and small business development in North Vancouver through a new sustainable work-integrated learning (WIL) partnership. The project is funded by a $70,800 grant awarded to the University by the Business + Higher Education Roundtable and CEWIL Canada.
Beginning in the summer 2021 term, WIL enables students to apply academically relevant, employable skills to support their learning and offer immediate and future value to local small businesses. The pilot program will assist small business owners in achieving solutions to self-identified needs for their company. For CapU faculty, this project represents a significant step forward in developing WIL opportunities for their students with the eventual goal of offering every CapU student a WIL opportunity as part of their studies.
“With the sudden shift to remote learning due to COVID-19, connecting and partnering with employers and community partners became challenging,” says Jennifer Fane, CapU instructor and WIL project coordinator. Fane has extensive experience in WIL learning and course design in Canada and Australia. “This program allows the University to re-establish safe, sustainable WIL opportunities for students.”
The project features a design challenge that will bring together local business with CapU courses across all five faculties. A design challenge will engage over 100 CapU students each semester in working with community and industry partners to solve real world challenges and support students in developing relevant skills and experiences in their program area.
Working collaboratively, the team of CapU faculty and the North Vancouver Chamber will develop a sustainable WIL design challenge model that can be repeated year after year in contemporary ways.
“This is a wonderful win-win-win opportunity,” says Patrick Stafford-Smith, CEO, North Vancouver Chamber. “Local businesses will benefit from the energy and intelligence of our local CapU students, the students will gain insight from real-world projects, and Capilano University will be enriching their programming and community connection. Our entire North Shore will benefit. This is another significant step in the strong partnership between the North Vancouver Chamber and Capilano University.”
The North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce membership covers two-thirds of all employment in North Vancouver with a membership of over 600 businesses, 95% of which are small businesses.
As a hands-on experiential learning opportunity for students, this project demonstrates the high value Capilano University places on creating and encouraging life enhancing university experiences for its students.
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Founded in 1968, the University features such highly regarded programs as jazz, film, animation, performing arts, business, paralegal, early childhood care and education, music therapy and design programs. The University offers 93 programs, including bachelor's degrees in areas as diverse as film, jazz, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses are located on the territories of the LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
About North Vancouver Chamber
For more than 110 years, the North Vancouver Chamber has been the voice of business for our region. We support a strong, diverse business community that has grown from its roots on the waterfront to a thriving populated community. The North Vancouver Chamber is the catalyst for a thriving, connected community through strong partnerships, informed members, and bold leadership.
For more information, please contact:
Linda Munro
Senior Communications Officer
Capilano University
t: 604 220 8937
e: lindamunro@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Patrick Stafford-Smith
CEO
North Vancouver Chamber
t: 778 987 0110
e: patrick@nvchamber.ca
www.nvchamber.ca
Submitted by: Communications