Welcome to WEX

Work Experience (WEX) is designed for all students in a WEX-approved academic program to have an opportunity to receive preparation and support from the Experiential Learning Hub (EL Hub) to participate in one paid work experience in a vocational setting related to their career goals during their degree program. The Work Experience term is paid and full-time lasting a minimum of 10 weeks and at least 350 hours. To receive WEX certification, students must complete three WEX courses in sequential order. Any student in a WEX-approved program can participate by enrolling in the WEX preparation course.

For Fall 2026, French and Classical and Modern Cultures (Undergraduate) and Master in Engineering (Graduate) are WEX-approved programs.

Your WEX Experience

A student sits in a boardroom, chatting with his employer.

The WEX Process

WEX students acquire and apply the skills needed to succeed in a competitive employment process.

Learn More About The WEX Process

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1. Work Experience Preparation Course

This course covers how to identify and communicate skills, knowledge and abilities, how to write an effective resume and cover letter, and how to use specific interview techniques to prepare for a job search.

An employer smiles at the camera at a job fair.

2. Work Experience Employment Process Course

Students learn about the Work Experience (WEX) employment cycle and receive support in applying to employment opportunities on the Experience Guelph WEX job board. This course also covers legislation, maintaining employee health and safety, and workplace diversity.

An engineering student at an outdoor job site wears a hi-vis jacket and hard hat. He holds papers, and smiles at the camera. The background shows tilled dirt from a job site, and a hydro corridor.

3. Work Experience Term

This is a semester-long experience in a typically paid work setting designed for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a vocational setting. In this course, students develop goals to be achieved during the semester and work with their employer to evaluate their progress.

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Admissions and Eligibility

To receive WEX certification, students in WEX-approved programs must complete and pass the WEX Preparation and WEX Employment Process non-credit courses sequentially, as the pre-requisites for the Work Experience term. A student can opt in to WEX by enrolling in the WEX Preparation Course (WEX*2100 undergrad; WEX*6100 graduate). Students must meet the minimum academic requirements as listed by their degree program to participate in the WEX program. Students can refer to their program's academic calendar for information related to scheduling WEX courses.