The Survival Guide to Student Recruitment in 2021 Webinar: Questions and Answers
Work-Integrated Learning
What is a WIL placement process? How does an employer get access to WIL?
In order to get access to WIL, an employer must be willing to create a Work Integrated Learning Experience for a post secondary student. To find out what a WIL placement is, please visit CEWIL.
If a WIL placement is for you, to find a student and access student talent, you can create an account on the RBC Youth Employer Portal at Magnet.today/rbc, which will give you access to:
- Up to $7,500 wage subsidy when hiring a student
- Ability to easily review profiles of qualified applicants, and download their resumes with built-in Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Measure posting metrics
- Access Employer Resources and content feeds from trusted partners
We are already working with a university. We have 2 groups of 5 students who are working on two technology related projects. Is WIL like that? We are actively monitoring and training these students.
Work-integrated learning is a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership of at least: an academic institution, a host organization and a student. WIL can occur at the course or program level and includes the development of learning outcomes related to employability, personal agency and life-long learning. For more info, visit CEWIL.
If I already have students working pro bono, can I apply to use students for non-technical activities using the funding?
As long as you create a new, paid WIL position, you can apply to use students for non-technical activities using the Student Work Placement Program funding. Check out eligibility criteria at Magnet.today/rbc or contact concierge@magnet.today if you have specific questions about the program funding requirements.
How common is WIL in a quick service restaurant setting?
There are hospitality programs at various institutions that engage in WIL for restaurant organizations. Ryerson University for example requires their hospitality students undertake a number of hours working with an employer in the industry.
Program Eligibility for Employers
Can a single organization secure multiple SWPP funded students or is it a one per organization limit?
There is no limit on the number of placements per organization.
Do sole proprietorships looking to hire students qualify for WIL funding or is it only incorporated companies?
Yes, registered Canadian businesses are eligible for funding (including sole proprietorships). Check out eligibility criteria at Magnet.today/rbc or contact concierge@magnet.today if you have specific questions about the program funding requirements.
Is this available for non-profit?
Yes, the Student Work Placement Program is available for non-profits.
Hiring Students
Can I find students by myself in my neighbourhood?
Of course! You can find students yourself, and submit an application for funding through https://swpp.magnet.today/, where you can also check out eligibility criteria for students. You can also target students in your geographic region, and specify local post-secondary schools by creating an account at Magnet.today/rbc and select schools in your neighbourhood, and then apply for funding through the portal.
Are the opportunities available across Canada, Alberta specifically, or do employers need to reach out to local universities?
Yes! The opportunities are available across Canada. Employers can reach students at over 95 post-secondary schools across Canada, through one WIL job posting, by creating an employer account at Magnet.today/rbc at the RBC Youth Employer Portal. You can target specific schools, programs and geographic areas through Outcome Campus Connect functionality within the portal. It’s easy, efficient, and free.
What colleges are part of the program?
Students from any publicly recognized college or university are eligible to participate.
If our local post-secondary institution doesn’t use Outcome Campus Connect, what is the best way to connect students with employers?
Institutions can be contacted directly for recruitment of their students if they are not on Outcome Campus Connect.
We have a co-op student already identified for Winter 2021 (Jan-Apr). How do we apply for the funding and who do we contact?
Great! You can submit an application for funding through https://swpp.magnet.today/. You can also target other students and specify local post-secondary schools by creating an account at Magnet.today/rbc and select schools in your neighborhood, and then apply for funding through the portal.
Does that mean we should have a specific student in mind ready to offer before applying or we can apply first to see if we qualify prior to the recruiting process?
You can apply before hiring a student to see if you qualify.
About Placements
How long is a placement?
Placement lengths vary depending on the type of WIL, the needs of the employer, and the student’s availability. Please consult with the institution you wish to hire from for more information on placement durations for their programs.
Can I configure 420 hours as part time placement into 6-7 months?
Under the Magnet Student Work Placement Program, yes. Please consult with the institution you wish to hire from for more information on placement flexibility for their programs.
I am looking for a student that can start full time and then work part time. Does this apply? The student could continue on, after initial placement.
Under the Magnet Student Work Placement Program, yes. Please consult with the institution you wish to hire from for more information on placement flexibility for their programs.
Students in the final year of their studies may be able to continue on after the WIL placement if offered full-time employment.
I only work with contractors, but to hire a student would I need to hire and pay them as an employee?
Employers need to be able to pay students as an employee.
Is there any regulation for hourly rate for salary?
Employers must abide by the applicable labour and employment laws in their jurisdiction.
Do I need to pay CPP and EI to students?
Employers must abide by the applicable labour and employment laws and tax regulations in their jurisdiction.
Applying for the Magnet Student Work Placement Program
Where do I create an account? What kind of account is it?
You can create an account on the Student Youth Employer Portal at Magnet.today/rbc, which will give you access to:
- Up to $7,500 wage subsidy when hiring a student
- Ability to easily review profiles of qualified applicants, and download their resumes with built-in Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Measure posting metrics
- Access Employer Resources and content feeds from trusted partners
How does the funding work – does the employer pay first or will the subsidy be administered up front?
Funding is limited and administered on a first-come, first-served basis wherein completed applications are prioritized in the order they are received. The employer needs to have the capacity to pay the student first, and will be reimbursed with a subsidy at the conclusion of the placement.
How long is the usual turnaround time for an application to be processed and approved?
Processing times vary depending on the ebb and flow of application volume but the average response rate is approximately 5-7 business days.
When and how are reimbursements processed? Annually? Quarterly?
At the end of the placement, after receiving supporting documentation confirming the gross wages paid, the subsidy is processed on net 45 terms.
When does Winter 2021 start and finish?
The Winter 2021 academic term is from January to April of 2021.
For student hire (under WIL): Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) & $7500 funding work together or it has to be one at time?
No. Only one federal funding program can be applied to any one student placement.
Is there any program or funding for companies that just launched and not have the upfront funds to pay salaries?
Under the Magnet Student Work Placement Program, your company will need upfront funds to pay students- but if you are looking for alternate sources of funding, it would still be worthwhile to set up an account at Magnet.today/rbc, as you will be able to access news, content and updates on a variety of programs.
Is Magnet.today/rbc different from the regular Magnet site?
Yes. Magnet.today/rbc has additional information relevant to the RBC Future Launch and Magnet partnership. It also includes a dedicated landing page for RBC affiliated employers that allows employers to access additional resources including a Concierge Service that assists you with posting opportunities and navigating wage subsidy programs. You can email this concierge service directly at concierge@magnet.today.
Who can I reach out to for further details or more questions after the webinar?
You can learn further details at Magnet.today/rbc or contact concierge@magnet.today if you have specific questions.
