Black Student Voices in Engineering Work-Integrated Learning Experiences across Canada

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Title: Black Student Voices in Engineering Work-Integrated Learning Experiences across Canada
Language: English
Authors: D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika, Amanda Tamakloe
Source: International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. 2026 27(1):99-117.
Availability: New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@ijwil.org; Web site: https://www.ijwil.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Blacks, Engineering Education, Work Based Learning, Learning Experience, College Graduates, Undergraduate Students, Access to Education, Internship Programs, Student Motivation, Work Experience, Microaggressions, Career Development, Capstone Experiences, Research Projects, Professional Identity
Geographic Terms: Canada
Abstract: Work-integrated learning (WIL) is essential for students' academic, career, and personal development. In Canada, engineering programs have long incorporated WIL through capstone projects, research initiatives, co-operative education, and internships. Despite these opportunities, Black students remain underrepresented in engineering, and their voices are rarely included in discussions about WIL. This study explores the experiences of Black engineering students in WIL across Canada. Using a conceptual framework incorporating CEWIL Canada and other global WIL types, social cognitive career theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality, interviews were conducted with 17 Black engineering graduates from diverse backgrounds. Findings revealed challenges included systemic barriers, such as lack of access to internships for international students, microaggressions including negative research project experiences, as well as engineering identity formation, for example, capstone projects providing opportunities for autonomy and cultural expression. This study offers insights to help educators and administrators create more inclusive WIL experiences for Black engineering students in Canada.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506575
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Black Student Voices in Engineering Work-Integrated Learning Experiences across Canada
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22D'Andre+Wilson-Ihejirika%22">D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Amanda+Tamakloe%22">Amanda Tamakloe</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Work-Integrated+Learning%22"><i>International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning</i></searchLink>. 2026 27(1):99-117.
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  Data: New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@ijwil.org; Web site: https://www.ijwil.org/
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  Data: 19
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Blacks%22">Blacks</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Engineering+Education%22">Engineering Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Work+Based+Learning%22">Work Based Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Experience%22">Learning Experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Graduates%22">College Graduates</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Undergraduate+Students%22">Undergraduate Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Access+to+Education%22">Access to Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Internship+Programs%22">Internship Programs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Motivation%22">Student Motivation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Work+Experience%22">Work Experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Microaggressions%22">Microaggressions</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Career+Development%22">Career Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Capstone+Experiences%22">Capstone Experiences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+Projects%22">Research Projects</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Professional+Identity%22">Professional Identity</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Canada%22">Canada</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Work-integrated learning (WIL) is essential for students' academic, career, and personal development. In Canada, engineering programs have long incorporated WIL through capstone projects, research initiatives, co-operative education, and internships. Despite these opportunities, Black students remain underrepresented in engineering, and their voices are rarely included in discussions about WIL. This study explores the experiences of Black engineering students in WIL across Canada. Using a conceptual framework incorporating CEWIL Canada and other global WIL types, social cognitive career theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality, interviews were conducted with 17 Black engineering graduates from diverse backgrounds. Findings revealed challenges included systemic barriers, such as lack of access to internships for international students, microaggressions including negative research project experiences, as well as engineering identity formation, for example, capstone projects providing opportunities for autonomy and cultural expression. This study offers insights to help educators and administrators create more inclusive WIL experiences for Black engineering students in Canada.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1506575
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 19
        StartPage: 99
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Blacks
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Engineering Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Work Based Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Learning Experience
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Graduates
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Undergraduate Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Access to Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Internship Programs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Motivation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Work Experience
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Microaggressions
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Career Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Capstone Experiences
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research Projects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Professional Identity
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      – SubjectFull: Canada
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: Black Student Voices in Engineering Work-Integrated Learning Experiences across Canada
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            NameFull: D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika
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            NameFull: Amanda Tamakloe
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