Learning outcomes should provide detail on what students will achieve, value and/or know by the end of their placement. When developing learning outcomes with students and academic supervisors, keep the following in mind:

  • Learning audience: Who are the learners? What are their learning needs and career goals?
  • Learned behaviors: What will students be able to do at the end of a placement? What will they know about your industry, program of study, and/or career?
  • Context for learning: Where will the learning take place at your organization? What context should be kept in mind when describing learning outcomes?
  • Degree: Realistically, with consideration for the type and length of the WIL placement, how much will students be able to achieve?

Depending on the type of WIL student you are supervising, you may need to consult more-or-less with post-secondary programs and/or provincial/territorial training authorities:

  • If you are supervising post-secondary students undertaking a structured work experience, you should discuss program level learning outcomes and requirements with the student’s academic supervisor.
  • If you are supervising apprentices undertaking on-the-job training, you should review program requirements, tasks, and related learning outcomes for the apprentices under your supervision. You can find out more information about training standards by contacting your provincial/ territorial apprenticeship authority.