Centennial WILwork is a program for Centennial College students who are pursuing their first Canadian college or university education and are interested in working in the technology, engineering, construction, healthcare or community services industry. Whether it’s through a part-time work experience, industry group project or hackathon, students will gain practical skills and real-world experience while employers build talent pools to support their unique business needs. Centennial WILwork is a partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER). For more information, please visit the BHER website.
International students are eligible to participate in this program. To learn more about hiring an international student, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions on Hiring International Students.
Industry Engagement
Are you an employer interested in offering a Centennial WILwork experience? Complete our application form and a member of our team will be in touch with you.
For more information about Centennial WILwork, email wilwork@centennialcollege.ca or see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Program Streams
Hire students for part-time roles (10-24 hours/week) related to their field of study for one semester, providing mentorship and guidance with support from our team throughout the hiring process. Roles can be paid or unpaid, as determined by each employer.
| Student Commitment | Location | Timing | Incentive Structure |
| 120-288 hours over 12 weeks (10-24 hours a week) | Employer site / Virtual (as determined by employer) | Placements occur within the 2024 calendar year: January-April May-August September-December | Paid or unpaid |
Lead a group of students to execute a short-term project e.g. web design, app development, business process enhancement, and research.
| Student Commitment | Location | Timing | Incentive Structure |
| 12 weeks | Employer site / Virtual / Centennial College | Projects occur within the 2024 calendar year: January-April May-August September-December | Unpaid, may be eligible for course credit |
Lend your industry expertise to coach groups of students at our multi-day hackathons, creating solutions to your business challenge.
| Student Commitment | Location | Timing | Incentive Structure |
| At least 10 hours over 2 or 3 days | Centennial College | Hackathons occur during the 2024 calendar year. | Unpaid |
Expected Outcomes
The Centennial WILwork program provides employers with flexible recruitment opportunities for their specific business needs.
Participating employers will:
- Receive new ideas, recommendations and solutions to business challenges from a pool of eager new talent
- Enhance their leadership and coaching skills through mentoring students
- Gain an opportunity to diversify their workforce with Centennial’s diverse student population
- Showcase their commitment to innovation and the community
Participating students will:
- Apply classroom learning and skills to industry challenges in a way that fits their unique schedule
- Gain experience working and networking with industry partners
- Enhance their understanding of the Canadian workplace and employability skills
- Receive a Certificate of Program Completion