VCC WIL programs

WIL profiles

Access to Practical Nursing Practice Experience & Preceptorship

In the Access to Practical Nursing program, students apply their previous training and experience as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) or Resident Care Attendant (RCA) to accelerate their practical nursing training.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

Students complete three practice experiences and one preceptorship throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Practicums and Preceptorships are unpaid.

Contact Janita Schappert, jschappert@vcc.ca

Administrative Professional Practicum

In the Administrative Professional Certificate program, students learn skills in Microsoft Office, communications, business documents, finances, and data management to prepare them for advanced office administration careers. International students complete the Administrative Professional International program.

Duration

90 hours (3 weeks)

Duration
  • Admin Professional Practicum: 90.0 hours
Placement schedule

Practicums are usually completed by students each semester in December, April and July. See upcoming practicum dates: Admin Professional Practicum (OADM 1209).

Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid

Contact VCC CareerLAB, careerLAB@vcc.ca

Baking and Pastry Arts - Artisan Baking Work Experience

In the Baking and Pastry Arts - Artisan Baking,  students develop professional skills for artisanal bread and pastry production including foundational baking, advanced fermentation, traditional breads, and gluten-free baking.

Duration
  • Work Experience: 100.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid

Contact Tiffany Kang, tikang@vcc.ca

Baking and Pastry Arts – Pastry Work Experience

In Baking and Pastry Arts – Pastry, students develop professional skills for fine pastry production including foundational baking, cake design & decoration, dessert presentation, and chocolate and confectionery.

Duration
  • Work Experience: 100.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid

Contact Tiffany Kang, tikang@vcc.ca

Canadian Business Management Post-Degree Diploma Workplace Practicum

In the Business Management Post-Degree Diploma Workplace Practicum, students learn advanced skills and gain a solid foundation for work in finance, administration, and management in Canadian business.

Duration

426 hours (14 weeks)

Placement schedule

See upcoming practicum dates here: Workplace Practicum (MGMT 2020)

Payment expectations

Practicums are paid and unpaid.

Contact VCC CareerLAB, careerLAB@vcc.ca

Career Awareness

In the Career Awareness program, students explore employment options and gain practical experience in community-based work settings. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.

Duration

Practicum length varies

Duration
  • Work Experience 1 for Career Awareness: 90.0 hours
  • Work Experience 2 for Career Awareness: 120.0 hours
  • Work Experience 3 for Career Awareness: 150.0 hours
Placement schedule

See upcoming practicum dates:

Practicum 1 (CAAW 0637) (3 weeks; 90 hours)

Practicum 2 (CAAW 0638) (4 weeks; 120 hours)

Practicum 3 (CAAW 0639) (5 weeks; 150 hours)

Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid

Contact Beth Beeching, Program head, CACE, bbeeching@vcc.ca

Counselling Skills Practicum

In the Counselling Skills Foundational Certificate, students learn community counselling skills that are grounded in theory and evidence-based practice. 

Duration

135 Hours

Placement schedule

Practicums are completed on an on-going basis. Please refer to the program page for more information. 

Payment expectations

Practicums can be done in a volunteer or work capacity

Contact Sarah Stirling, Practicum Coordinator, sstirling@vcc.ca

Culinary Arts Diploma Practicum

In the Culinary Arts Diploma – International, students learn the skills and techniques of professional commercial cooking from Canada's top chefs in a fully equipped industrial kitchen.

Duration

100 hours

Placement schedule

See upcoming practicum dates:

Culinary Practicum (CULI 2512)

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid

Contact VCC CareerLAB, careerLAB@vcc.ca

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Readiness Certificate Work Experience

In the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Readiness Certificate program students develop essential job skills including literacy and numeracy while receiving direct instruction, interpreting, and ongoing career support in American Sign Language (ASL). 

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

See courses on the program page for work experience information. 

Payment expectations

Work experiences are unpaid.

Contact Contact the program team for more information, dhh@vcc.ca

Dental Assisting Clinical Practice

In the Dental Assisting – Certified, students learn the specialized skills and knowledge needed to assist dentists with procedures, provide oral health education, and function as a dental health team member.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

Students complete three clinical practices throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Clinical Practice placements are unpaid.

Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice

In the Dental Hygiene Diploma program, students get hands-on training to provide dental care including examinations, cleaning, polishing, and assessments while working with the public at VCC’s dental clinic.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

Students complete two clinical practices throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Clinical Practice placements are unpaid.

Dental Technology Sciences Diploma Practicum

In the Dental Technology Sciences Diploma, students learn traditional and digital technologies used in the design and fabrication of dental restorative prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and implant-supported restorations.

Duration
  • Dental Technology Practicum: 570.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Ken Izumi, kizumi@vcc.ca

Early Childhood Care & Education Certificate Practicums

In the Early Childhood Care & Education Certificate, students gain the knowledge and skills to specialize in the inclusive care and development of children aged 2-6 in licensed early learning settings in British Columbia.   

Duration

Varies, depending on practicum

Placement schedule

See upcoming practicum dates:

Practicum 1 (ECCE 2305)

Practicum 2 (ECCE 2306)

Practicum 3 (ECCE 2307)

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Sarah Stirling, Practicum Coordinator, sstirling@vcc.ca

Early Childhood Care & Education Diploma Practicums

In the Early Childhood Care & Education Diploma, students gain the knowledge and skills to specialize in the inclusive care and development of children aged 0-6 and children with special needs.  International students complete: Early Childhood Care & Education Diploma - International.

Duration

Varies depending on practicum.

Placement schedule

See upcoming practicum dates:

Practicum 1 (ECCE 2305)

Practicum 2 (ECCE 2306)  

Practicum 3 (ECCE 2307)

Infant Toddler Practicum 1 (ECCE 2235)

Special Needs Practicum 1 (ECCE 2230)

Special Needs Practicum  2 (ECCE 2330)

Infant Toddler Practicum 2 (ECCE 2335)

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Sarah Stirling, Practicum Coordinator, sstirling@vcc.ca

Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate Practicum

In the Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate program, students get expert industry training in facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, gel application, hair removal, makeup, and body massage while serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.

Duration

3 weeks.

Placement schedule

Contact the program team for more information.

Contact VCC Salon and Spa, salonspa@vcc.ca

Fashion Design and Production Diploma Practicum

In the Fashion Design and Production Diploma program, students expand their creative and technical skills for the fashion and apparel industry by gaining hands-on experience in conception, design, production, and sales.

Duration

120 hours

Placement schedule

Upcoming practicum dates:

Practicum (FSHN 2321)

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid

Contact Sarah Murray, Program Coordinator, smurray@vcc.ca

Food Services Career Practicums

In the Food Services Careers program, students gain skills and knowledge to work in the food service industry through practical experience in community-based work settings. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.

Duration

4 weeks

Placement schedule

Students participate in three practicums throughout their program. See upcoming practicum dates:

Practicum 1 (FSCR 0650)

Practicum 2 (FSCR 0655)

Practicum 3 (FSCR 0660)

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Beth Beeching, Program Head, CACE, bbeeching@vcc.ca

Graphic Design Diploma Practicum

In the Graphic Design Diploma program, students learn the advanced design tools, theory, and processes used in graphic design for print and web while working directly with public clients in a mentored studio setting. 

Students can also work with real clients in VCC's Studio Nuvo and complete a variety of design projects under the guidance of an instructor.

Duration

120 hours (3-4 weeks)

Duration
  • Practicum: 130.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Elaine Smith, elsmith@vcc.ca

Hairstylist Certificate Placements

In the Hairstylist Certificate, students gain full theoretical knowledge and practical training in hair design including cutting, colouring, styling, and overall salon management.

Duration

2-3 weeks

Duration
  • Hairstylist Foundation 2: 450.0 hours
  • Hairstylist Foundation 3: 155.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Placements are unpaid.

Contact Louise Dannhauer, ldannhauer@vcc.ca

Health Care Assistant Practicum

In the Health Care Assistant Certificate, students acquire the knowledge and skills to provide person-centered care and promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of clients in continuing care environments. EAL students (English as an Alternative Language) students may take Health Career Assistant – EAL.

Duration

60 hours

Placement schedule

Students complete one community practicum throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Judy Warner, jwarner@vcc.ca

Health Unit Coordinator Certificate Practicum

In the Health Unit Coordinator Certificate, students learn to process physicians’ orders and coordinate patient activities in hospitals as well as long-term and specialized care facilities.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

Students complete two practicums throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Radhika Kumar, rakumar@vcc.ca

Hospitality Management Industry Work Experience

In the Hospitality Management Diploma program students learn professional business management practices for careers in hotels, cruise ships, convention centres, and dining establishments. In addition, students are required to obtain a Serving-It-Right and FoodSafe certification while completing the program.

Duration

500 hrs. Can be full-time (if during study break term) or part-time while students are studying.

Placement schedule

Ongoing. Students typically work during their study break term which often aligns with peak hospitality staffing needs such as summer tourism (summer term) or winter ski season (winter term).

Payment expectations

Employer hosts provide paid work placements for students

Contact Willy Aroca, Assistant department head, warocaaguirre@vcc.ca

Legal Administrative Assistant Practicum

In the Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate program, students acquire the skills and knowledge to work with legal documents relating to corporate law, conveyancing, litigation, family law, wills, and estates.  

Duration

70 hours (2 weeks)

Placement schedule

Practicums are usually completed by students in January and June. See upcoming practicum dates: Practicum (OADM 1456) 

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact VCC CareerLAB@vcc.ca, careerLAB@vcc.ca

Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate Clinical Placement

In the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Certificate, students get specialized training to reprocess reusable medical devices such as surgical tools and patient care equipment.

Duration

400 hours

Placement schedule

See upcoming clinical placement dates:

MDR Clinical (MDRT 1211)

Payment expectations

Clinical placements are unpaid.

Contact Rebeccah Bennett, health@vcc.ca

Medical Lab Assistant Practicum

In the Medial Lab Assistant Certificate, students learn to collect and prepare blook (phlebotomy) and other biological samples, perform electrocardiograms (ECG), and communicate effectively with patients and other health care providers. During the practicum, students perform the duties of a Medical Laboratory Assistant in the workplace. The collection and processing of specimens are performed under the supervision of practicum site personnel. During the practicum, effective communication skills, professional conduct and adherence to standard operating procedures are required.

Duration
  • Laboratory Practicum: 120.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Heather McMullen, hmcmullen@vcc.ca

Medical Office Assistant Practicum

In the Medical Office Assistant program, students gain the knowledge and skills to manage patient records, medical billing and scheduling, and to perform clinical procedures and other administrative duties in various health care environments.

Duration

75 hours (3 weeks)

Duration
  • Medical Office Assistant Practicum: 90.0 hours
Placement schedule

Practicums are usually completed by students in February and August. See upcoming practicum dates:

Practicum (MEDC 1260)

Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Medical Transcriptionist Practicum

In the Medical Transcriptionist Certificate program, students gain the skills to professionally transcribe and edit medical reports from audio recordings.

Duration

50 hours (3 weeks)

Duration
  • Practicum: 50.0 hours
Placement schedule

Practicums are usually completed by students in April. See upcoming practicum dates here:

Practicum (MEDC 1220)

Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact VCC CareerLAB, careerLAB@vcc.ca

Nail Technology Practicum

In the Nail Technology Certificate program students learn the latest in advanced hand, foot, and nail treatments including tips, overlays, sculptured, gel, and acrylics

Duration

1 week

Placement schedule

Contact the program team for more information. 

Contact VCC Salon and Spa , salonspa@vcc.ca

Nursing: Bachelor of Science Clinical Placements & Preceptorship

In the Nursing Bachelor’s Degree, students receive training to provide safe, ethical, culturally sensitive, and person-centered care as a registered nurse in hospitals, communities, homes, clinics, and residential facilities.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Clinical placements and preceptorships are unpaid.

Contact Sara Desbiens, sdesbiens@vcc.ca

Paralegal Diploma Practicum

In the Paralegal Diploma program, students learn legal terminology, research, and procedures for work in specialized areas like litigation, corporate law, and real estate.

Duration

509 hours

Placement schedule

See upcoming practicum dates:

Paralegal Practicum (LEGL 1208)

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Janet Chee, jchee@vcc.ca

Pharmacy Technician Certificate Practicum

In the Pharmacy Technician Certificate program, students learn to safely and accurately prepare and distribute pharmaceutical products, promote patient health, and communicate with health care professionals in a community or hospital pharmacy.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

Students complete one practicum throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Jennifer Vo, jvo@vcc.ca

Practical Nursing Diploma Practice Experience & Preceptorship

In the Practical Nursing Diploma program, students learn to provide safe, ethical, and culturally sensitive nursing care for individuals and families at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.

Duration

Varies

Placement schedule

Students complete three consolidated practices and one preceptorship throughout their program. Dates and times may vary. Please consult the course list on the program page for more information.

Payment expectations

Placements are unpaid.

Contact Janita Schappert, jschappert@vcc.ca

Retail and Hospitality Careers Certificate Practicums

In the Retail and Hospitality Careers Certificate program, students gain skills and knowledge to work in retail and hospitality. Intended for adults with cognitive disabilities.

Duration

Varies

Duration
  • Work Experience 1 for Retail and Hospitality Careers: 50.0 hours
  • Work Experience 2 for Retail and Hospitality Careers: 125.0 hours
  • Work Experience 3 for Retail and Hospitality Careers: 125.0 hours
Placement schedule See upcoming practicum dates:
Payment expectations

Practicums are unpaid.

Contact Beth Beeching, bbeeching@vcc.ca