Trent University students will gain hands-on career experience through new work-integrated learning (WIL) courses, including an applied research bootcamp and crime scene investigation challenge, boosted by more than $125,000 in funding.

“These work-integrated learning initiatives are indicative of Trent University’s commitment to creating unique experiential learning opportunities that ensure our students are equipped with the skills required for today's changing workplace,” noted Dr. Michael Khan, provost and vice-president Academic at Trent. “These funds continue to support Trent in delivering the guaranteed experiential learning opportunities that help our graduates launch their careers.”

The funding, supported in part through the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (IWIL) and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada’s Innovation Hub (iHub), was awarded to Careerspace at Trent and the Department of Forensic Science and will provide enhanced work-integrated learning experiences to more than 200 students across at least six disciplines. The goal of the funding is to remove barriers and increase access to innovative WIL experiences, with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance students’ experiences.  

The two WIL initiatives are detailed below.

Applied Research Bootcamp: Careerspace and the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) will deliver an applied research bootcamp to support community-based research (CBR) students and community members. The virtual bootcamp sessions will equip students with CBR specific research skills including ethical research, community communication and interaction, and communicating academic research within a community setting.

The project will foster enhanced community involvement, creating personal and professional networking opportunities while increasing knowledge exchange within the broader region. By the end of the bootcamp, students will be better prepared to develop a comprehensive work plan for research projects, and effectively navigate the complexities of working with organizations outside of the university environment. Qualifying students who complete all six modules will also receive a $1,000 stipend.

Crime Scene Challenge: Forensic Science students at Trent will participate in a crime scene investigation challenge, in conjunction with Peterborough Police, OPP and RCMP investigators. Students will learn and practice fingerprinting techniques and documentation. The investigators will provide real-world challenges that students will experiment on to help solve.

Students will create a video demonstration of their technique, which will be provided to the partner agencies. The student group with the most successful method for each challenge will receive an award, and all participating students will receive a stipend for their work and engagement, recognizing their work and community impact.

At Trent University, every student is guaranteed to have meaningful, purposeful, and recorded career opportunities that contribute to success as they enter the workforce.