York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering proudly announces
the early success of its Digital Technologies BASc program,
Canada’s first fully work-integrated degree, as detailed in the
newly released, ‘Breaking Ground on Fully Work-Integrated Degree
Programs: Early Findings Revealed Impact Summary 2024.’
Recognizing the program’s strong first-year performance and its
potential to develop talent for high-value jobs, IBM Canada has
joined as a new partner. The company’s extensive experience in
hybrid cloud, AI, and enterprise solutions will provide students
with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and
gain hands-on experience through mentorship programs, exclusive
training sessions, and collaborative projects. IBM's commitment to
fostering opportunity and growth in the tech sector aligns with
Lassonde’s goals, bridging the gap between education and employment
to create a diverse and inclusive digital workforce.
Launched in September 2023, this innovative program, which
combines academic coursework with full-time, paid employment, has
seen all employers choose to retain their students for a second
year. Employers report high satisfaction and increased
productivity, citing the benefits of continuous student involvement
compared to traditional short-term student placements. Achieving a
100 per cent student contract renewal rate in its inaugural year
demonstrates the value of this fully work-integrated degree model
in supporting an organization’s talent pipeline.
Supported by organizations such as Alstom, BMO, Dayforce,
Quanser, and Shopify, the program addresses the digital skills gap
in Canada’s tech industry, preparing students for the global
economy. By reducing financial barriers, the program has increased
degree access for non-traditional and underrepresented learners,
including recent high school grads, professionals and transfer
students. Notably, more than 40 per cent of the first cohort are
women, compared to the 16 per cent typically seen in traditional
computer science programs.
With a rigorous curriculum designed by experienced faculty and a
focus on immediate practical application, students in the program
spend approximately 80 per cent of their time gaining hands-on
experience in the workplace. The other 20 per cent is dedicated to
academic studies, including half-a-day of independent study once a
week and six five-day block periods per year at York University’s
new Markham Campus. This approach ensures learners not only develop
technical skills but also the professional competencies needed for
success.
Employers receive $5-7K in funding per term through the Student
Work Placement Program (SWPP), and students earn an average of $23
per hour.
Quotes
“The commitment from all participating employers to extend their
students’ contracts for a second year underscores the immense
benefits of our fully work-integrated degree model. This ensures
ongoing engagement and value for everyone involved. We are thrilled
to welcome IBM to the program. Their involvement will bring
additional expertise and resources, enriching the learning
experience for our students and fostering a highly skilled and
diverse tech workforce.” – Jane Goodyer, Dean, Lassonde School of
Engineering, York University
“Our student is exceeding our expectations. He has demonstrated
a lot of maturity, drive, interest and professionalism. In fact, I
usually have to give him fewer instructions than the others in the
group.” – Sajal Kumar Database Security Architect, BMO
“Being recognized as ‘Student of the Term’ reflects my
enthusiasm for continuous learning and meaningful contribution in
the complex field of cybersecurity.” – Eamon, Digital Technologies
student and information security professional, BMO
“It has been a definite win for the organization in productivity
and work capacity.” – Brad Nordin Vice President Intelligence,
Dayforce
“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.” – Abbey Desjarlais Manager,
Business Intelligence & Efficiencies, Quanser
“Our student has been consistently growing in her understanding
of our problem and product space while developing her ability to
perform and ship impactful code with greater complexity.” – Hamish
Robertson Development Manager, Shopify
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university
located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students,
faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global
perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive
change, and prepare our students for success. York's fully
bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of
Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary
Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students
exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative
programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities,
our planet, and our future.
About Lassonde School of Engineering:
With a focus on Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and
related fields, the Lassonde School of Engineering at York
University addresses critical skill shortfalls in the ICT sector,
ranking in the Top 200 for Computer Science globally (Times Higher
Education, 2023). Located in the heart of the multicultural Greater
Toronto Area, Lassonde is home to engineers, scientists, and
entrepreneurs, representing a diverse community of students,
faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. With 11 undergraduate
programs, seven graduate programs, and a host of certificates and
accessible study options, Lassonde is shaping the next generation
of creators who will tackle the world’s biggest challenges and
devise creative solutions through interdisciplinary learning
opportunities. Lassonde’s creators think in big systems rather than
small silos, design with people in mind, and embrace ambiguity. The
school's innovative programs aim to prepare the next generation to
exceed the demands of the global digital economy.
Employer Contact:
As Lassonde continues to expand this model nationwide, it
invites industry partners to join in driving innovation and
creating a more inclusive, skilled workforce. For more information
on the Digital Technologies program and to learn about the hiring
process, contact:
Marily Molina Business Development Manager Lassonde
School of Engineering York
University marily.molina@lassonde.yorku.ca
Emina Gamulin
York University
437-217-6362
egamulin@yorku.ca