eCampusOntario and ICTC Partner to Boost Ontario’s Digital Talent Pipeline
New partnership increases access to work-integrated learning placements across Ontario’s innovation ecosystem
December 15, 2025 – eCampusOntario and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) announced a strategic partnership today to expand access to digital work-integrated learning (WIL) placements across Ontario. The collaboration will increase connectivity between businesses and higher education institutions to upskill Canada’s labour force and connect 80 students to opportunities in Canada’s growing digital economy.
Young people face a volatile labour market shaped by uncertainty, rapid technological change, and growing inequality. Finding meaningful early-career opportunities has become increasingly challenging, putting youth at risk of long-term labour-market scarring – a term describing lasting effects on future job prospects and earnings. Simultaneously, employers and post-secondary institutions are rapidly seeking to create WIL connections that provide meaningful experiences for both students and businesses. ICTC’s recent report on Youth Unemployment in Canada finds that WIL opportunities help bridge education and experience to strengthen employability, with more than 70 per cent of alumni in ICTC’s WIL programs securing full-time roles after graduation, and nearly one-third hired by their WIL employer.
This new partnership will streamline the application process for businesses seeking to partner with postsecondary institutions on WIL placements of students, including reducing waitlist times and expediting program development. The partnership will include a strong focus on equity, with targeted outreach to women-led businesses, newcomer talent, and French-language learners.
Additionally, the partnership will enable students and employers within eCampusOntario’s network to collaborate on real-world innovation challenges. Projects submitted by employers through eCampusOntario’s “Ontario Collaborative Innovation Platform (OCIP)” or through its ecosystem will be matched with student talent from Ontario colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes – providing valuable, real-world experience for students and contributing to new solutions for employers.
“Work-integrated learning is one of the most effective models for workforce development,” said Robert Luke, CEO of eCampusOntario. “By embedding real-world experience into academic pathways, we empower learners with the skills industry demands while driving innovation across sectors. This collaborative approach reflects eCampusOntario’s commitment to sector-wide engagement, where institutions and employers accelerate talent development and shape a more agile, inclusive digital economy.”
This new initiative complements eCampusOntario’s ongoing efforts under national programs such as Skills for Jobs Canada and OCIP, which helps surface innovation challenges and match them with institutional partners. Together, these programs are transforming how businesses and institutions collaborate to meet the demands of the digital economy.
“By supporting work-integrated learning opportunities, we are bridging the gap between education and industry, equipping students with the critical skills and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” says Namir Anani, President & CEO of ICTC. “ICTC is pleased to support new partnerships that will help increase access to these opportunities for students and businesses in Ontario.”
About eCampusOntario
eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, that supports innovation, collaboration and digital-by-design education in Ontario’s colleges, Indigenous Institutes, and universities. We provide the sector with platforms, programs and services to advance digital participation in postsecondary education, connecting Ontario’s postsecondary institutions and learners to the future of learning and work.
About ICTC
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national center of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, ICTC has delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. The organization’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale. Learn more at https://ictc-ctic.ca.