Our history
The association originated as the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), which is now known as Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL). We incorporated into our own society in January 1993 under the BC Society Act. At that time, our name was Association of Co-operative Education BC/Yukon (ACE) and only represented co-operative education programs.
In 2018, our mandate was expanded to represent many different forms of work-integrated learning and therefore our name changed to Association of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL) to better reflect this expansion. Currently, ACE-WIL represents over 300 members working at 25 public post-secondary institutions across BC that offer over 300 WIL programs. Our membership continues to grow as WIL programs and practitioners join our community to strengthen WIL across BC.
Our Vision
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon is committed to leading excellence in post-secondary experiential learning through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning experiences.
Our Mission
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to:
- promote Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning to students, employers and key stakeholders
- provide high-quality professional development for our members
- facilitate a forum for the exchange of ideas and experience
- liaise with other organizations involved in related interests
- maintain a leadership role provincially, nationally and internationally in the field of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning
Our Values
Leading edge professional development
Investing in multi-faceted professional learning to develop members’ knowledge.
Strong relationships and networks
Building a vibrant professional learning community within a culture of collaboration that honours the diversity of all members.
Innovation
Recognizing, adapting and responding effectively to the changing practical needs of students, industry partners and institutions, while at the same time adhering to provincial and national standards.
Strong advocacy
Maintaining a strategic and effective advocacy role that ensures sustainability and advancement.
Clear communication
Building systems of communication within ACE-WIL BC/Yukon that are transparent, timely, systematic, and respectful of all voices.
Proactive media relations
Clearly communicating the benefits of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning to secondary and post-secondary institutions, provincial and national governments, employers, students and other key stakeholders.
Quality research
Supporting research efforts that enable students, partner organizations and membership to understand and advance Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning.