Sheridan College celebrates student and industry impact during Work-Integrated Learning Month

At Sheridan College, learning doesn't stop at the classroom door — and each March, that commitment takes centre stage.

As part of National Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, an initiative led by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), Sheridan brought students, faculty and industry partners together to celebrate the impact of hands-on learning and the power of partnership in preparing students for meaningful careers.

The month culminated in the annual Co-op, WIL and Experiential Learning (EL) Student of the Year Awards, held on March 24 at the Sheridan Conference Centre in Oakville, where outstanding students and employer partners were recognized for their contributions and achievements.

What is work-integrated learning at Sheridan College?

At Sheridan College, work-integrated learning (WIL) is embedded across the student experience — connecting academic study with real-world application through co-op work-terms, internships, field placements, mandatory professional practice and apprenticeships.

Through these experiences, students step into real workplaces, take on real responsibilities and contribute to real outcomes.

Each year, more than 7,000 students across more than 90 programs participate in WIL, building in-demand skills, gaining industry experience and developing the confidence needed for long-term career success.

The scale of work-integrated learning at Sheridan College

• 7,000+ student participate annually
• 90+ programs include co-op or WIL opportunities
• 40+ provincial and national awards earned by Sheridan students over 14 years

How do industry partnerships power work-integrated learning?

These experiences are made possible through strong collaboration with employers and community partners — organizations that play a critical role in mentoring students, shaping skill development and building talent pipelines that support industries today and into the future.

It also celebrated employer partners who go above and beyond to support student learning — not only by providing opportunities, but by investing in mentorship, collaboration and innovation.

Together, these students and partners represented the full ecosystem of work-integrated learning at Sheridan College.

Recognizing excellence in co-op and work-integrated learning

The awards ceremony recognized students who stood out among more than 100 applicants for their ability to go beyond expectations; demonstrating leadership, adaptability and meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities.

Together, these students and partners represent the full ecosystem of WIL at Sheridan College.

A legacy of impact in Canada

Sheridan College's leadership in WIL extends far beyond a single event.

Over the past 14 years, 29 Sheridan students have earned more than 40 provincial and national awards and recognitions through Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) which is a testament to the strength of its learning model and partnerships.

These achievements reflect a consistent outcome: students who are applying their learning in real time, building in-demand skills and contributing meaningfully to their fields before they graduate.

Looking ahead

While WIL Month provides a moment to celebrate, the impact of work-integrated learning extends far beyond March.

Sheridan College remains committed to expanding opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with industry and ensuring that every graduate leaves with not just knowledge but experience.

Because at Sheridan College, learning isn't just something you study.

It's something you do.

View the list of student award recipients below:

Vian Wrya, 2025 Sheridan WIL Student of the Year (FAAD) – Internship

Program: Honours Bachelor of Illustration

Joice Kelly Vital de Melo, 2025 Sheridan WIL Student of the Year (FAAD) – Field Placement

Program: Interior Decorating

Faith Budden-Hames, 2025 Sheridan WIL Student of the Year (FAHCS) – Internship

Program: Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development

Hassan Abogeyab, 2025 Sheridan WIL Student of the Year (FAHCS) – Field Placement

Program: Personal Support Worker

Julian Menegon, 2025 Co-op Student of the Year (FAST – Computing)

Program: Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering

Inderpreet Singh, 2025 Co-op Student of the Year (FAST – Engineering)

Program: Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design

Eshraj Kaur Dhanda, 2025 WIL Student of the Year (FAST) – Internship

Program: Honours Bachelor of Computer Science – Cloud Computing

Wedad Rahmatallah, 2025 Co-op Student of the Year (PSB)

Program: Business Administration – Human Resources

Fiza Kaleem, 2025 WIL Student of the Year (PSB) – Internship

Program: Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance

View the list of employer award recipients below:

Pipeline Studios Ltd, Employer of the Year (FAAD)

PointClickCare, Employer of the Year (FAST – Computing)

EBARA HG ULC, Employer of the Year (FAST – Engineering)

Partners Community Health – Wellbrook Place LTC, Employer of the Year (FAHCS – Health Based)

Community Living Mississauga, Employer of the Year (FAHCS – Community Based)

Martin Brower, Employer of the Year (PSB)

To learn more about co-op and WIL at Sheridan, visit Cooperative Education.