Finding the right talent — or the right experience — has never been more important. Riipen FuturePath was built to bridge that gap.
As a government-supported, paid work-integrated learning program, FuturePath connects postsecondary students with short, high-impact projects from employers who need support now. The result is simple: employers gain the extra capacity they need, and students acquire meaningful experience that prepares them for the workforce well before graduation.
FuturePath connects students with industry partners, providing them with real-world project experience to tackle real business challenges for employers, all without adding to institutions' workload. The program makes work-integrated learning accessible, practical, and beneficial for everyone — preparing students for meaningful careers and helping employers thrive.
Ready to explore what FuturePath can offer? Before you dive in, start by reviewing the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Top FAQs about the Riipen FuturePath program.
Looking for more information? Be sure to check out our resources:
👉The FuturePath career services page
For public secondary institutions.
Q: Does my institution need to be a Riipen customer or subscriber to take part in FuturePath? And does it need to have a Riipen license (or be a formal partner)?
A: No to both. FuturePath is open to all public secondary institutions in Canada and their eligible students - Canadian, PR, or refugee status. A pre-existing Riipen license is not necessary, nor is it required to enter into one to utilize FuturePath for employer partnerships.
Q: What academic programs is FuturePath open to?
A: FuturePath is sector and program-agnostic; students currently enrolled in any recognized public secondary institution program are eligible, whether it is undergrad, postgrad, or non-degree, such as certificate or continuing education. Students must be currently enrolled and be Canadian citizens or hold PR or refugee status. International students are ineligible as per the parameters set by the Government of Canada.
Q: Is there a lower or upper limit on students from our public secondary institutions who can join FuturePath and apply to projects?
A: No, there is no limit to the number of students who can sign up from a specific PSI.
Q: Is there any financial cost to the public postsecondary institutions?
A: No, there is no cost to a postsecondary institution to invite and onboard either their students or employer contacts.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of employers we can invite to FuturePath to post projects?
A: No, you may invite as many employers as you wish at any time during the program, inviting them individually or in groups.
For private or exclusive employers.
Q: Does Riipen have its own employer contacts providing FuturePath projects, in addition to public secondary institution-affiliated groups?
A: Yes. Riipen has thousands of employers in its network, many of whom are FuturePath-eligible Canadian entities that provide projects, as seen with our Level UP program. These projects are open to all students signed up for FuturePath
Q: Is there any exclusivity to the project/employer marketplace for our students or those from other public secondary institutions?
A: There is no exclusivity by default, but there are situations where Riipen will support matching a public secondary institution’s students exclusively with their employers.
Please discuss these with our team:
- A Private Experience can be created for public postsecondary institutions that contribute 25 or more Employers, which allows your students exclusive access to these employers' posting projects, assuming all other eligibility criteria are met.
- A specific work-integrated learning (WIL) activity that is eligible for FuturePath has been pre-agreed between your student(s) and an employer in your network. If all FuturePath eligibility is met.
Q: In cases where an employer wants to work with a specific student, does that need to occur within a private experience context, or can that be coordinated separately?
A: It can happen outside of a private experience. Our team can onboard the student and employer directly into the program, getting them started.
Questions on insurance and compliance.
Q: How does workplace insurance work for students on Futurepath?
A: Students engaged in FuturePath are considered users of the Riipen platform, whose rights and entitlements are governed by Riipen's Terms and Conditions, and in accordance with applicable WorkSafe standards legislated by law.
Q: Can FuturePath be used to facilitate in-person activities?
A: Yes. Riipen is designed with virtual, remote opportunities in mind, but a student and employer may agree on an in-person component to a project. If all applicable insurance, health, and safety regulation is observed by the employer, this is acceptable.
Note: Riipen’s insurance covers students as independent contractors for remote work. For on-site activity, the employer must comply with any and all relevant workplace legislation.
Cost and processing time.
Q: What is a typical cost most employers pay?
A: Employers must pay 50% of the hourly rate of $23.34 for however many hours their project is. 10 to 420-hour projects are common.
Q: What is the typical processing time for student or employer applications to join FuturePath?
A: There is no wait list or processing time for employers. Students first complete the Riipen Ready program to prepare them for the paid work experience.
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