Empowering students
for a Work Ready future
What is Work Ready?
Work Ready is an initiative to improve access to Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at NorQuest.
Work Integrated Learning combines classroom learning with real-world experience through work placements, practicums, co-ops, real-life projects, or other hands-on opportunities.
At NorQuest, our goal is to build WIL into all credit programs because of its tremendous value to education—it helps students gain valuable skills, build confidence, and prepare for lifelong employability. It’s also how students grow their resumes, strengthen their networks, and step into the workforce ready to succeed right out of the classroom.
The Challenge: Only 14.5% of WIL programs are paid
A significant portion of NorQuest programs—and the work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that come with them, focus on human services and community impact. Often, the organizations that host WIL are eager to help students learn, but simply don’t have the budget to offer paid placements.
At the same time, many NorQuest students can’t afford to take unpaid opportunities. They rely on steady income to support themselves and their families.
That’s where paid WIL makes all the difference. It allows students to stay in school, gain real-world experience, and graduate ready to thrive in the workforce.
Join us in supporting NorQuest students through paid, life-changing Work Integrated Learning experiences.
I’m so fortunate to have been able to support myself through the WIL program, I gained so much confidence in myself and my work. I was able to use the knowledge gained at NorQuest in a professional setting, giving me valuable insight for the future. I was sad to see so many of my friends/classmates deciding they couldn’t afford to take the WIL experience on. Coming at the end of our studies many had run out of student loans or funding and needed to start looking for jobs. I think removing financial barriers would be beneficial to both students, NorQuest, and its partners.
— Vanessa Lindstrom, Student at NorQuest College
Our mission
We’re committed to removing financial barriers so NorQuest students can access paid work-integrated learning experiences, setting them up for success in their future careers.
To bring this vision to life, we’re supporting students now and investing in future students. We’re building a $3 million Work-Ready Endowment Fund, which will generate $150,000 every year, enough to provide up to $1,500 in support for 100 students each year during their WIL placements.
Support Work-ready futures
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Work-Ready endowment fund
Invest in the future. Your donation will be held in an endowment, generating support for students year after year. Help future generations gain essential work experience through long-term, sustainable funding.
Support the endowment -
Work-Ready short-term fund
Provide immediate support to students by funding paid work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that will be used right away to help students gain valuable experience that boosts their careers.
Make an immediate impact
Have questions about Work Ready?
If you have questions about donating, or would like more details about the endowment fund, please contact our Advancement team. Use the contact form or reach out directly.
Alexandra McMillan, Development Officer
Privacy notice statement
For information about the collection and use of this information, contact the Meredith Allan, Interim Director, Fund Development and Alumni Relations, NorQuest College, Centre 108, 10215 – 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6, Tel 780.405.8388, advancement@norquest.ca.