On Campus: One Year in, York University’s Work-Integrated Degree Program Sees Success

In September 2023, the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University launched an innovative degree program in Digital Technologies. In a first of its kind for Canada, students in the program spent 80% of their time in real-world jobs through corporate partners such as Alstom, BMO, Dayforce, Quanser and Shopify. The other 20% was spent doing academic work, most of which was accomplished in six 5-day blocks at York University’s Markham Campus.

The employers received between $5-7K in funding through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), and the student-workers earned an average salary of $23/hr – more than your average student intern.

The idea is a noble one – to prepare university students interested in a career in the tech industry by throwing them directly into the workforce. In an industry that changes seemingly every nanosecond, this seems to be a wise approach, allowing students to learn first-hand from industry leaders, supplemented by a foundation in computer science theory and traditional skills.

After a year, the wisdom of the work-integrated degree program appears to be validated. Fully 100% of the student contracts were renewed by their employers, meaning that each of them will continue in their jobs for a second year. The reports from employers are glowing, citing high satisfaction and increased productivity, with significant advantages over traditional short-term student placements.

“Having an active student who regularly engages with other students and professors gives our team an edge on new tools and practices that are being used,” says Abbey Desjarlais Manager, Business Intelligence & Efficiencies at Quanser.

The program is designed to bridge theory and practice, connecting theories with their practical applications from the beginning of a student’s academic career. The assessment process is equally innovative, integrating a competency-based grading system that encourages a deeper understanding of concepts.

“Canada’s corporate sector faces a significant digital skills gap,” says Dr. Jane Goodyer, Dean of Lassonde School of Engineering. “The Digital Technologies BASc program is designed to address the ICT sector’s demand for tech professionals, empowering students to earn while they learn.”

Dr. Goodyer took insights and inspiration from similar successful programs in the UK, as well as her own experiences with launching a degree apprenticeship model in New Zealand. The Dean put a particular emphasis on gender equity, with more than 40% of the first cohorts being women, compared to the typical 16% in traditional computer science programs. There is also a strong focus on reducing financial barriers, with pathways forged for non-traditional and underrepresented groups, including recent high school graduates, professionals, and transfer students.

Another key milestone is the just-announced partnership with IBM Canada. With its deep expertise in hybrid cloud, AI, and enterprise solutions, IBM’s involvement is set to enhance the learning experience for students. Through this collaboration, students will have the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies, participate in exclusive training sessions, and benefit from mentorship programs and collaborative projects.

This new four-year degree program represents York University’s willingness to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment. By boldly integrating work experiences into a traditional academic environment, York is signaling to potential students that it has their career interests foremost in mind.