Every time an employer provides a student with the opportunity to gain work-related knowledge, skills, and experience, they make an incalculable positive contribution to the quality of a young person’s life and career prospects.
The CEL established the Ontario Employer designation in 2010 to recognize the many exemplary employers engaging with students across Ontario.
“At Seneca, we are proud to host hundreds of high school students at our campuses throughout the year. These initiatives are an excellent opportunity for students to get an early experience of what higher education is all about, from our many learning opportunities to student life to the exciting career opportunities that open up with a post-secondary education.”
— David Agnew, President, Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
Recipients of the Ontario Employer designation are presented with a commemorative award from the Council for Experiential Learning and are publicly acknowledged for their important contributions. They also enjoy the right to use the Ontario Employer emblem in their corporate, marketing and communications materials.
The deadline for 2017 applications is December 31, 2017.
A review committee of CEL members considers all applications.
The following types of school-work opportunities are covered by the designation:
Student Placements:
- Cooperative Education
- School-Work Transition Programs
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Specialist High Skills Major Program
- Job Shadowing/Mentoring
- Volunteer Placements
Outreach Activities:
- Career Fair Participation
- Classroom Visits/Career Talks
- Workplace Tours
Applications are assessed using a simple point system. A minimum total of 50 points is required to earn the designation. One point is awarded for every school-work opportunity, either student placement or outreach activity, provided by an employer in the applicable academic year.
Note: Student placements are awarded one point for every participating student.