This innovative program connects employers like you with post-secondary students for short-term, impactful projects. Here's what you need to know to get started: Key details about this Level UP cohort Projects and timelines. Each project is 60 hours Students will apply to projects between February 17–21. They can have 3 active applications at a time. Once an employer accepts your application, that is the project they will complete. This cohort's projects start by February 27 and finish by March 31. Engagement and mentorship. As a project host, you provide at least 5 hours of mentorship, which includes the kickoff call, instructions, feedback, and support. Flexibility and funding. Projects are open to students at all levels of post-secondary education. Be clear about your project's requirements and scope to attract the right talent. You can host three projects, and up to four students can work on it individually. Riipen pays students $1,400 CAD for successfully completing each project. Making your project appealing. To attract students, provide a clear and concise project description. Highlight the level of experience required and outline the scope of work effectively. A well-defined project increases your chances of having students self-assign promptly. For further details, visit our Level UP Knowledge Centre . If you have questions, click the avocado icon in the bottom-right corner of your Riipen dashboard to contact support—we’ll respond within two business days.

Welcome to Level UP, powered by Riipen! This unique initiative enables employers to engage Canadian post-secondary students for 80-hour paid projects. Students receive a $1,400 CAD stipend from Riipen upon successful project completion. Employers are not required to provide payment. Here’s how it works: Submit a project to this experience for our Level UP team to review.  Once your project gets the green light, students (individually or in teams) will apply directly. They might come from various Canadian post-secondary institutions and academic programs.  Craft a project description that’s skill-specific to attract the best-fit applicants. STUDENTS MUST BE INVITED TO JOIN LEVEL UP. Students can request access to this program here. Important points Project deliverables will differ based on scope, but a comprehensive report or other assets should be produced by project completion, aiding your business goals.  Regular communication with students enhances project outcomes.  If confidentiality is key, consider having students sign an NDA using our agreements feature . They can still submit work on the platform by uploading redacted samples, using the worklog feature, and writing a brief project reflection.  Our help articles in the Level UP knowledge centre can help you get started. Still have question? Connect with the Level UP team by clicking on the avocado in the bottom right corner.

We are pleased to offer programs and services designed to enhance your student experiences through career readiness, employment resources, and experiential learning opportunities.  Let us help you find the best students to support your project needs.   1. Communication Skills Verbal Communication: Practice clear and concise speaking for meetings and presentations. Written Communication: Improve email etiquette and report writing. 2. Time Management Prioritization: Learn to identify urgent vs. important tasks. Scheduling: Use tools like calendars and to-do lists effectively. 3. Technical Skills Software Proficiency: Get comfortable with tools relevant to your field (e.g., Excel, project management software). Basic Data Analysis: Understand how to interpret data relevant to your role. 4. Problem-Solving Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to analyze situations and come up with effective solutions. Adaptability: Be open to changing approaches based on feedback or new information. 5. Research Skills Information Gathering: Know how to find reliable information quickly. Data Presentation: Be able to summarize findings clearly for presentations or reports. 6. Self-Management Initiative: Take responsibility for your learning and seek out new tasks. Feedback Receptiveness: Be open to constructive criticism and use it for improvement. Important Dates May - June 2024 - Employers will be invited to match their projects with Level UP. The Level UP team will work with employers to match projects. You will not receive any student applications during this time.  June 2024 - Students will be invited to join Level UP. Students will apply to projects, and employers can accept or decline applications. Projects can start immediately upon acceptance. Our help articles in the Level UP Help Centre will help you get started.

McMaster University Continuing Education has been inspiring lifelong learning since 1931. As one of Canada’s largest providers of academic certificates, diplomas, professional development, and corporate training, its mission is to help individuals and society thrive in a dynamic world.  McMaster Continuing Education is partnering with Level UP to provide eligible students internship opportunities to help develop real-world, in demand skills. Internships are hosted with Canadian employers who are eager to mentor the next generation of talent.  Powered by Riipen, the leading online work-based learning marketplace, students are paid $1400 by Riipen for each 60-hour project completed over 2-8 weeks . Students can complete up to three projects if accepted by the employer. For McMaster Students: Your program coordinators will provide you with an eligibility form to sign up for the experience. If eligible, you will be placed on our waitlist.  Students will be invited into the experience from the waitlist periodically during the Summer and Fall semesters. For Employers: Request to match your project HERE . You can match up to 2 projects per company. Students will begin applications in August and September. You must select and accept applications for 1-5 teams per project. Ensure that you are regularly communicating with the students so that they can meet their deadline to submit their final deliverables. *Note that this experience is limited to 50 spots. Once 50 matches are made, the experience will close to applications.