AB WIL Practitioners began with a conversation on work-integrated learning (WIL) during the 2022 Alberta Services for Students Conference. This led to support for creating a space for discussion and learning among WIL practitioners in Alberta's post-secondary institutions.
Spring 2022
The need to create a space for connection and collaborative learning among WIL (Work-Integrated Learning) practitioners across Alberta’s post-secondary institutions was identified, and early planning began.
Fall 2022
Discussed what we wanted to see for our own professional growth: a space for WIL staff to share successes, ask questions, and learn from each other.
Initially, small online meetings were held every other month, with colleagues invited from personal networks.
7 post-secondary institutions were represented by the end of 2022.
February 2023
Membership grew to 15 post-secondary institutions represented at our online meetings, and we began including short presentations from members on their work in WIL.
June 2023
In collaboration with the Alberta Services for Students Conference (ASSC), the AB WIL Practitioners hosted a 1-day conference to discuss institutional WIL policies and processes.
End of 2023
22 of 25 Alberta post-secondary institutions were represented by at least one member.
2024 - 2025
A Terms of Reference was created, and a formal Steering Committee was implemented.
ABWIL hosted in-person meetups at the 2024 & 2025 CEWIL conferences.
ABWIL members were asked to volunteer for the Steering Committee. The Committee comprises five members from various PSIs and job roles. The Alberta CEWIL rep is a non-voting member of the committee.
Committee members volunteer to cover responsibilities such as chairing and leading meetings, note-taking, LinkedIn facilitation, newsletter design and distribution, website updates, and more. The steering committee meets once a month, two weeks before the regular meetings.
2025 - 2026
Currently, the Steering Committee's main responsibilities include:
managing the official ABWIL LinkedIn page;
creating and distributing a monthly newsletter called "ABWIL Buzz";
hosting the monthly ABWIL general meetings;
identifying opportunities for professional growth and networking through additional, member-driven discussions;
formalizing our role as Alberta’s WIL Practitioner community of practice.
2026 & Beyond
The inaugural Alberta WIL Symposium was held in 2025 by NorQuest College.
The ABWIL Practitioners group is now organizing and leading the next symposium, scheduled for June 16, 2026, at Red Deer Polytechnic.
The Steering Committee is committed to the following action items:
developing and leading professional development beyond monthly meetings
facilitating regional meetings
further defining the roles and specific tasks, term limits and turnover/succession for Chair
forming as a Society