Welcome to Telus x Level UP , powered by Riipen! Through this partnership, TELUS Student Bursary recipients will gain unparalleled access to real-world projects, hands-on skill development, and direct industry connections through Riipen’s Level UP program. This unique experience enables students to make a meaningful impact in their communities, blending academic learning with practical, career-focused experience. Riipen is dedicated to empowering students to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market, making this a one-of-a-kind opportunity that truly sets students up for success. This innovative program connects employers with Canadian post-secondary students for 60-hour paid projects. Students receive $1,400 CAD from Riipen upon successful project completion.  Students Riipen's Level UP program helps Canadian students prepare for a career they will love after graduation. Through Level UP, students can connect with companies for short-term paid projects, helping them gain relevant work experiences and career clarity, build professional networks and develop their skills. This page serves as your gateway to understanding the fundamentals of the program and is where you’ll find comprehensive information about Level UP, including FAQs. Project Structure Projects are 60 hours total, completed within 2-8 weeks at up to 30 hours per week. Students can work independently or in collaboration on projects. Project timelines are set with employers, with a minimum 2-week duration required for payment. Application process Students apply directly to projects that interest them, and employers select candidates based on fit. Students should apply within 5 days of being invited, and projects must start within 14 days of matching. Payments & deadlines Students are paid $1,400 via direct deposit for their completed projects, within 21 business days following completion. All projects must start by January 5, 2025 and end by February 16, 2025, to be eligible for payment. Project availability Students may complete up to three projects based on availability. Due to high demand and limited spots, placements aren’t guaranteed. Apply early to secure a project and gain valuable experience! STUDENTS MUST BE ELIGIBLE & INVITED TO JOIN TELUS x LEVEL UP. Students can request access & confirm eligibility to this program here. For further guidance, visit our help article - Getting Started with Level UP: Students. Our help articles in the Level UP Help Centre will help you get started.

Welcome to Level UP , powered by Riipen! This innovative program connects employers with Canadian post-secondary students for 60-hour paid projects. Students receive $1,400 CAD from Riipen upon successful project completion.  Employers Here’s how it works: Request to match your project to this Level UP: May 2024 cycle. The Level UP team will review and either accept your match or request slight changes.  Once your project is matched, students will apply to work on the project with you. You will review applications, and select the student(s) that you feel will be the best fit with your project.  The student will set the team start and end dates in collaboration with you. They will need to hit “start project” on the Riipen platform and submit all deliverables including 60 work log hours before the end date. The Level UP team will review their project submission & deliverables, before processing payment.  Opportunities are limited and this Level UP funding cycle will close once filled.  For more on how to get started, check out this article - Getting Started With Level UP: Employers. Students STUDENTS MUST BE ELIGIBLE & INVITED TO JOIN LEVEL UP. Students can request access & confirm eligibility to this program here. For further guidance, visit our help article - Getting Started with Level UP: Students. Important Dates April - May 2024 - Employers will be invited to match their projects with Level UP. During April, the Level UP team will work with employers to match projects. You will not receive any student applications during this time.  May 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.

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. They will have until October 15, 2024 to apply to projects. The last day to complete projects is December 23, 2024. 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 by October 15, 2024. Ensure that you are regularly communicating with the students so that they can meet their deadline to submit their final deliverables on December 23, 2024. *Note that this experience is limited to 50 spots. Once 50 matches are made, the experience will close to applications.