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Students in Unpaid Work Placements

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) Data Collection for Students on Unpaid Work Placements

MTCU guidelines require universities to report statistics on unpaid work placements each term.  Coverage for workplace injuries falls under one of two programs:

  1. Placements with employers under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
  2. For employers not covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, private insurance coverage is provided by MTCU. 

The MTCU guidelines apply to students considered "learners" by the WSIB, who are placed by UW Faculties/Departments with employers to obtain work skills and experience on unpaid training placements when:

"Learners" include university students on a training placement with an employer as a formal part of the course or program.  However, university students who as part of their program do unpaid research for the university are not considered "learners" under the insurance policy.

A Work/Education Agreement Form is to be used by Faculties/Departments arranging unpaid placements.  MTCU requires information on placement hours, grant eligible and visa status.  The form, adapted from MTCU, includes a student accident/injury report form.  To comply with MTCU reporting requirements, Faculties/Departments are to complete the form with the student before placement, then provide the Safety Office with the completed form (including total hours worked) at the end of each term.

Ministry Guidelines for Unpaid Work Placements (download pdf) - These guidelines are prepared by the Colleges and Universities Branches of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to assist in the understanding and administration of workplace insurance for students on unpaid work placements.

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