Exploring Riipen FuturePath vs Level UP: Which program is right for you?

At Riipen, we understand that bridging the gap between education and employment is essential for student success. That's why we've introduced Riipen FuturePath, an exciting program that builds on the foundation laid by our Level UP program. While both focus on equipping students with the skills they need for their careers, they serve different needs for students and employers.

Why launch Riipen FuturePath when we already have Level UP?

Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives program, Riipen FuturePath helps cover up to 50% of the opportunity through support from the IWIL program, giving employers an affordable path to top student talent. The program expands on the success of Level UP, designed to offer experienced students ready to move into the world of employment more growth opportunities while providing employers with greater access to top talent. 

While Level UP is focused on enhancing employability and giving students practical, short-term project-based learning experiences, Riipen FuturePath connects employers with emerging talent, allowing students to work on multiple projects (up to three cohorts), gain diverse experiences, and build stronger portfolios that prepare them for full-time employment.

What's the difference between Riipen FuturePath and Level UP?

Level UP provides students with short-term projects, typically lasting 2-8 weeks, over set cohort timeline. This makes Level UP an excellent opportunity for students in their first to third year to build skills, gain real-world experience, and explore career options. For employers, it's a chance to meet new students they might want to continue working with in Riipen FuturePath. 

On the other hand, Riipen FuturePath allows students to gain broader, more diverse experiences by connecting with up to three employers across multiple cohorts, working on new projects within the set cohort timelines. However, employers in Riipen FuturePath are open to working on unlimited projects within unlimited cohorts throughout a funding year. This program is paid 50% by employers and 50% by Riipen, demonstrating their commitment to hiring new talent and providing students with valuable real-world opportunities. 

For both programs, students are compensated at $1,400.00 after successfully completing their 60-hour project and will be rewarded with a shareable achievement badge on social media.

Which program is the right fit for you?

As a student, Level UP is for you if:

• You're in the early stages of your post-secondary education.
• You aim to build your skills and enhance your resume with real-world experience.
• You want short-term, project-based work with flexible timelines.
• You hope to explore career options, make meaningful industry connections, and gain hands-on experience in your field.

As a student, Riipen FuturePath is for you if:

• You're in the later stages of your post-secondary education.
• You're looking to participate in a program that provides both the project experience, live webinars, and access to Riipen's student success team, allowing you to hone your skills. 
• You're ready to connect with multiple employers and work on diverse projects that directly align with your career goals.
• You hope to gain industry exposure, develop expertise, and establish meaningful career connections.

As an employer, Level UP is for you if:

• You want to foster talent for future roles while meeting potential contenders that may want to invest in for long-term opportunities.
• Your emphasis is on building long-term relationships with students.
• You're looking to connect with motivated students early in their studies.
• You aim to give students valuable work experience while allowing you to evaluate their potential for possible future roles in your organization.

As an employer, Riipen FuturePath is for you if:

• You are looking to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals today, working with an unlimited number of potential candidates.
• You want to connect with students who can contribute to your business's growth.
• You're looking to access top emerging talent.
• You want the opportunity to shape the workforce of tomorrow by engaging students with impactful, real-world projects. 

Get started today. 

At Riipen, we believe in empowering both students and employers to succeed by providing real-world, project-based learning opportunities. Our programs are designed to help businesses discover and develop top-tier talent while giving students the practical experience they need to thrive in their careers. 

By connecting emerging talent with employers, Riipen continues to create high-quality opportunities, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Ready to get started? Apply for Level UP or Riipen FuturePath for students or employers now.

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