Program Overview

NCEWIL logo
Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence in Work-Integrated Learning
In the Fall of 2023, Iniskim’s (the University of Lethbridge) Career Bridge Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Career Development, in partnership with PrairiesCan, the Mastercard Foundation, and the City of Lethbridge, launched the Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence in WIL (NCEWIL). This program is grounded in Niitsitapi values and ways of knowing, embracing cultural respect, support, education, partnership, and collaboration as our guiding principles.

 
At the heart of the NCEWIL program, we are committed to creating meaningful employment pathways for Indigenous students through partnerships with supportive employers who value cultural respect and academically aligned work-integrated learning experiences. Our goal is to build a vibrant community of practice—a hub of resources, opportunities, and support for Indigenous students and employer partners alike. We offer a wage subsidy program to encourage employers who share these values to create impactful career-building opportunities for Indigenous students at Iniskim.

 
The Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence in WIL is dedicated to:
  • Enhancing access, retention, and success for Indigenous students in WIL programs.
  • Leading the Indigenization of WIL programs at Iniskim, the University of Lethbridge, by cultivating partnerships grounded in cultural respect and inclusive collaboration.
  • Fostering a community of practice that upholds and celebrates Niitsitapi values, supporting both students and employers in shared learning and growth.

Work Integrated Learning Programs Overview

  • Applied Studies (minimum of 120 hours over a semester):
    • Disciplinary Credit Applied Study: Design a 3-credit course in an academic discipline. This course will be supported by an employer partner, an Applied Studies Instructor, and a subject matter expert (faculty member). This course will be supported by an employer partner, an Applied Studies Instructor, and a faculty member.
    • Applied Study 2000 (Pass/Fail) Work Experience: Create a course that explores a program-related work experience (paid or volunteer) while focusing on your professional development. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis and will be supported by an employer partner and an Applied Studies Instructor.
    • Applied Study 2010 (Graded) Work Experience: Collaborate with an Applied Studies instructor to design a course that combines program-related work experience, professional development, and an academic deliverable. This course will be graded and will be supported by an employer partner and an Applied Studies Instructor.Collaborate with an Applied Studies instructor to design a course that combines program-related work experience, professional development, and an academic deliverable. This course will be graded and will be supported by an employer partner and an Applied Studies Instructor.
  • Co-op (full-time employment):
    • Co-operative Education integrates academic learning with practical, full time paid work experience. Through co-op, students engage in semester-long placements with industry partners, gaining hands-on skills in their fields, building professional networks, and enhancing their employability. These experiences complement classroom studies, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings while earning academic recognition. Students can take up to 6 semesters of co-op. 

NCEWIL Program Information

In the Fall of 2023, the University of Lethbridge Career Bridge Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Career Development, in partnership with PrairiesCan, the Mastercard Foundation, and the City of Lethbridge, launched the Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence for Work Integrated Learning (NCEWIL).

The NCEWIL program is designed to:

  • Enhance access, retention, and success rates for Indigenous students and stakeholders within Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs.
  • Lead the Indigenization of WIL programs at the University of Lethbridge through diverse and inclusive partnerships.
  • Foster a community of practice that supports and upholds our program values of cultural respect, support, partnership and collaboration, and education and training.

What You Need To Know:

To qualify for the NCEWIL wage subsidy, the following criteria must be met:

  • The student must be enrolled at the University of Lethbridge, enrolled in a WIL program, and participating in the Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence.
  • The student must self-identify as Indigenous.
  • The employer must be either:
    • an Indigenous community organization or
    • an industry/business that supports the goals and values of NCEWIL.
  • The work term must align with the student's academic and professional development objectives.

Employers are encouraged to apply for wage subsidies as soon as they are interested in hiring a student. We recommend applying around the following dates to align with the Iniskim's (University of Lethbridge) co-op work terms:

  • November 1 for the January-April (Winter Semester)
  • March 1 for the May-August (Summer Semester)
  • July 1 for the September-December (Fall Semester)

The NCEWIL program offers financial support for employers hiring Indigenous students:

  • Co-op Students: Up to $9,600 per student per semester (multiple students can be hired)
    • Full-time/paid position
    • Example: If you hire an Indigenous co-op student to work 40 hours a week at $20.00/hour for 12 weeks, your total cost for wages will be $9,600.

Employ Co-op Students

  • Applied Studies Students: Up to $3,200 per student per semester
    • 120-hour of part-time work experience tied to research
    • Example: If you hire an Indigenous applied studies student to work 120 hours over 12 weeks, you can offer the student up to $3,200 (approx. $26.50/hour)

Employ Applied Studies Students

Note: NCEWIL funding does not include statutory benefits (CPP, EI) for either program.

How to Apply

Application

Employers interested in applying for the wage subsidy can reach out to the NCEWIL team for more information and to submit their application. Please contact us by:​

We look forward to collaborating with you to support Indigenous students' academic and professional growth, ensuring they receive the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.