Chef Sand Tsoi credits a work-integrated learning experience during her studies at George Brown College (GBC) for putting her on a path to entrepreneurship, opening a food stall, and participating in food events across Toronto.
Tsoi, a 2023 Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) graduate, completed a work-integrated learning (WIL) experience with GBC's entrepreneurship hub, startGBC. She received financial support through a stipend during the WIL experience, thanks to the ongoing funding the college receives from the federal government.
"StartGBC was also a tremendous source of information on so many other areas that I never considered," Tsoi said. "Topics such as digital marketing, accounting, and finance provided additional insight into how to improve my business."
With the help of startGBC, she launched a food stall for her authentic Thai cuisine takeout business Baan. Tsoi participated in high-profile summer food festivals in Toronto, including Smorgasburg and the Taste of Lawrence.
$1.2M in CEWIL funding to improve access to work-integrated learning
Like Tsoi, nearly 700 GBC students have received financial support while completing work-integrated learning experiences since 2021, thanks to ongoing funding from the federal government.
The federal funding aims to enhance equitable access to WIL programs. GBC has received $1.2 million through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada's Innovation Hub (iHub). GBC used the funding to establish a college-wide bursary to help students cover costs associated with their WIL placements, such as internet access and transportation. Eligible GBC WIL students receive a stipend of more than $1,500.
Students from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous students, racialized Canadians and people with disabilities, are prioritized for financial support.
WIL bursaries continue for the summer and fall semesters
In the summer and fall 2023 semesters, bursaries will continue to support students participating in innovative WIL placements, including the Career Development Hybrid WIL Practitioner program, the startGBC WIL Entrepreneurship program, the Fashion Exchange Work-Ready Fashion WIL, Women in Fashion Technology, and WIL experiences that contribute to the recovery of the hospitality industry. These WIL opportunities were previously unfunded.
"The primary objective of this initiative is to provide equal opportunities for students while fostering their personal and professional growth," said GBC's Director of WIL Dario Guescini. "This funding will eliminate existing barriers to WIL and enable us to remain attuned to emerging challenges while continuously improving our support for our students."
CEWIL Canada President Dr. Matthew Rempel said the partnership with GBC opens doors for students and sets future professionals up for success with real-world work experience and knowledge.
"It's the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure equal access to such opportunities," Dr. Rempel said. "The CEWIL/GBC collaboration ensures a diverse and equity-deserving group of students receive financial support as they complete innovative WIL experiences that will help shape their future as working professionals."
Tsoi says the support she received at GBC evolved into professional relationships that continue to contribute to her success.
"I continue to keep in touch with the people who have been so kind and generous with their time and experience to help me," she said. "These relationships have also opened other opportunities, and my business continues to evolve as opportunities emerge."
