Lakehead University launching experiential learning placement thanks to RBC
May 31, 2017 – Thunder Bay, ON
Lakehead University announced today a commitment from RBC that will expand experiential learning opportunities and provide students with sought-after workforce skills.
A grant of $250,000 from RBC Future Launch will support the development of the RBC Work-Integrated Learning program in the Faculty of Business Administration.
The program will offer students opportunities for learning and on-the-job training where they gain the skills and practical knowledge that ensure a successful transition to a career.
“Lakehead University has long benefitted from the vision and support of RBC,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, President & Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “Today’s generous gift is an example of RBC’s ongoing investment in our students’ need for more experiential learning opportunities so they may be ready for the challenges that will face them as future leaders.”
Through programming offered by the RBC Work-Integrated Learning program, students will participate in integrated learning opportunities including mentorship and an experiential learning placement. These experiences will give them valuable soft and technical skills, as well as confidence and knowledge that will better prepare them to enter the workforce.
“Experiential learning is an important part of Lakehead’s innovative educational environment,” said Dr. Bahram Dadgostar, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. “With RBC’s generous support, the University can enhance the opportunities provided to our students, allowing them to apply knowledge gained in the classroom, explore new ideas and ways of thinking, and have diverse experiences.”
“Our collective prosperity will depend on today’s young people and their ability to take on a future that brings with it unprecedented technological and economic change,” said Murray Walberg, RBC Regional Vice President – Career Sales. “That’s why through RBC Future Launch, we’re working together with community leaders, industry experts, educators and employers to encourage new ways of thinking and approaches to drive long-term, sustainable solutions and ventures in the world of work for future generations. We’re excited to partner with Lakehead, who is leading the way with experiential learning to help ensure workforce security and stability, today and long into the future.”
RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500-million commitment to help young people gain access and opportunity to the skills, job experience, and career networks needed for the future world of work. The initiative is the result of two years of conversation with young Canadians from coast to coast. RBC identified three critical gaps to help prepare young people for successful futures: experience, skills and networks.
The RBC Work-Integrated Learning program will admit 20 students annually – both business and non-business students enrolled in Lakehead’s Entrepreneur Certificate program will be eligible to apply. The program will be delivered across both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses.
If you are an individual or small-to-medium sized enterprise located in Thunder Bay, Orillia, or surrounding communities, and you are interested in becoming a mentor and hosting an experiential learning placement, please contact David Richards at 807-343-8525 or david.richards@lakeheadu.ca.
Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead’s President and Vice-Chancellor, thanks RBC for the generous gift to develop the RBC Work-Integrated Learning program in the Faculty of Business Administration.