RBC Future Launch and Riipen helps Sask Polytech prepare students for the changing nature of work
October 30, 2019 – RBC Future Launch, Riipen and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are partnering to deliver more quality work-integrated learning opportunities to School of Information and Communications Technology and School of Business students. This project is made possible through a pilot funded by RBC Future Launch.
Riipen’s software enables customized, online work-integrated learning, giving students access to opportunities for skills development and professional networking. Students will have the opportunity to complete Riipen projects to gain hands-on experience, demonstrate employable skills and network with employers. These virtual internships and co-ops help students prepare for the future of work in an economy undergoing rapid digital transformation.
“Work-integrated learning opportunities ensure graduates are ready to contribute on the job on day one,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “We are excited to be a part of the RBC Future Launch initiative and for our students to access the Riipen platform to work on industry-led projects. It is anticipated this partnership will create hundreds of new work-integrated learning experiences for our students.”
Sask Polytech is dedicated to providing students with quality experiential education that enables them to develop, apply, and validate the skills necessary to prepare them for work. Work-integrated learning gives students the opportunity to apply the practical skills they learned at Sask Polytech in a work environment and bring work-place skills back to the classroom.
RBC recognizes the importance of preparing youth for the future of work. Through their RBC Future Launch initiative, RBC has committed to helping eliminate the skills gap by funding a recent Riipen pilot that includes 13 post-secondary institutions across Canada.
“We are thrilled to be working with Sask Polytech to deliver student experiences and happy to have the support of RBC to help catalyze this partnership,” says Dana Stephenson, Riipen CEO and Founder. “Students across the country are faced with significant challenges in developing their professional networks, gaining career clarity, and proving that they have the skills required to succeed in the future of work. Through these types of partnerships, we can help to support students' success post-graduation.”
Through this partnership, Riipen will connect students in the School of Information and Communications Technology and the School of Business with companies to work on real projects, for course credit.
About Riipen: Riipen is North America’s largest online work-integrated learning marketplace, where organizations of all sizes connect with educators to collaborate with university and college students on short-term projects and competitions. Their mission is to “enable all learners from all backgrounds and geographies to access work-integrated experiential learning (WIEL) that allows them to bridge the skills gap, gain career clarity, network with potential employers, and find jobs they love."
About Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Sask Polytech serves students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
About RBC Future Launch: RBC is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring our vision, values, and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to more than 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.