Thursday, February 14, 2019 – Laurentian University and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced a commitment of $300,000 over two years to help fund Laurentian University’s new Career Development Plan program.
The program includes the development of two new academic courses, Career Development Skill Building and Career Development Practicum, aiming to help students better understand and navigate the current labour market while gaining valuable in-demand skills. Both courses include a mandatory 40-hour community placement, giving students an opportunity for hands-on work experience before graduation.
“Students will benefit from enhanced leadership development and experiential learning opportunities. That is why we have committed to double the amount of work and experiential learning opportunities across the institution by 2023. It is through partnerships with organizations like RBC that we are able to position our students for success,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
The funds are part of RBC Future Launch, a 10-year, $500-million initiative to help young people gain access and opportunity to the skills, job experience and career networks needed for the future world of work.
“In collaboration with Laurentian University, RBC is striving to help address the Quiet Crisis of no experience-no job, no job-no experience affecting the now and the next generation of young leaders,” shared RBC Regional President Kim Ulmer. “Young people are entering the workforce at a time of profound economic, social and technological change requiring a new mix of skills and it is through leading programs like this and leading institutions like Laurentian that Canada will be best positioned to thrive and prosper.”
ABOUT RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com. We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability.
ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.