Work Experience - Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

The Autism CanTech! program includes a paid work experience that will take place over 2 months (typically 5 hours/day) for a total of 200 hours. The work experience is a part of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). This component of the program is a key part of the overall learning experience. The work experience gives participants the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they learn in the classroom to gain an entry-level position with an employer-partner, while also learning about their own skills and the type of work they might want to do in the future.

Career Coach Support

During the program, their Career Coach will work with them to find out about their skills, previous experience, and interests. This will help to find them a work experience that fits with their interest and abilities. They will have input into their work experience, but the please note, the program may not be able to place them in the exact job they want or with the exact employer they want.

During their work experience, participants will develop their skills, experience a professional work setting, and build their confidence. This experience will also build their network, add experience to their resume, and can lead to a good reference. 

Participants can still be on provincial supports such as AISH, STADD, or other government supports while in the program. The experience is 2 months long and participants will receive a $1,668 stipend for each month (100hrs/month) of work experience completed for a total of $3,336.

Please be sure to speak with a case worker regarding impacts the paid work experience may have on particpant's government supports.

What should I expect in the work experience interview?

Preparing for work experience is just like preparing for a regular job. Participants will work with their Career Coach to build confidence in their interview skills and  discuss the professional methods for successful interviews. Participants will interview with their potential work experience supervisor to determine their fit for the role,  to highlight their skills, and to gain experience in an interview setting. This learning experience will prepare participants for future interviews in other jobs.

Is the work experience paid?

Yes, the work experience is 2 months (200hrs) long and your will receive a $1,668.00 stiped for each month of work experiences completed for a total of $3,336.00.

Our program aims to reduce barriers wherever it can and you can still be on provincial supports such as AISH, PWD, or ODSP, or other government supports while in the program. Every effort has been made to ensure the impact on government support payments is minimal. Please be sure to speak with your case worker regarding impacts the paid work experience may have on your government supports

For more information or to learn more about the program, please reach out to our team at 1-833-405-9919 or contact@autismcantech.ca