Canwest Internships for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Why is Canwest offering these internships? The internships are part of Canwest's initiatives in an industry-wide effort to address the under-representation of persons with permanent disabilities in the media. Our mandate is to ensure that all broadcasters contribute to a system that accurately reflects the presence and portrayal of all people in Canada.
  2. What other opportunities are available to aspiring broadcasters who do not fit the criteria for these internships? There are many other opportunities for aspiring broadcasters of all backgrounds to become involved with the media. We encourage interested applicants to contact the Human Resources office of their local station as many departments accept interns on an ongoing basis. Canwest job postings listed on www.working.com are also open to all applicants.
  3. What programs are considered broadcast-related? The field of broadcasting may include but is not limited to Mass Communications, Media Arts, Broadcast Communications, New Media Studies, Radio and Television Production, Video Production, and Journalism. Other programs must be approved by Canwest.
  4. How will I know if my application has been accepted? All applicants will receive a confirmation letter by mail (after March 12, 2010).
  5. I am a student with a disability and will require specific accommodations to participate in the internship. How will this be addressed? Each internship placement is developed in consideration of discussions with the intern to respect any preferences for location, experience and/or other concerns. Every effort is made to ensure that reasonable accommodations will be arranged according to specific circumstances.
  6. I will not have all the supporting documents ready by the deadline for the applications. Can I submit my application and then send in the rest of the materials later? Only completed applications that are received in full (including all supporting materials) by the deadline indicated on the application will be accepted. Please note that while official transcripts and letters of references may be sent directly to Canwest, we cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected documents. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
  7. When will I be notified whether I have received an internship? The interns will be notified via phone and mail by April 2, 2010. Other applicants will receive a letter indicating the names of the interns.
  8. I am Canadian but studying abroad at an international university. / I am an international student studying at a Canadian university. Can I still apply for the scholarship award? The scholarship is open to Canadian students attending accredited Canadian post-secondary institutions only.
  9. I am a mature student and do not have a recent transcript. Is there another way to prove my qualifications? In lieu of a transcript, mature students may submit a resume of recent and/or relevant work experience in addition to proof of current registration in full-time studies at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution in a television and radio arts or journalism program.
  10. When and how long does the internship take place? The internship usually takes place for 3-4 months any time of year. A Canwest representative will contact and work with the intern and applicable department(s) to determine the best schedule and placement based on the intern’s preferences and other considerations (vacation, part-time jobs, courses, etc.).
  11. How will the location of the internship be determined? The details of the internship are usually arranged in collaboration with the student, based on the student’s preference and/or ability to relocate as well as availability of resources / reasonable accommodations at the relevant station(s).
  12. What is included in the coverage for relocation expenses for the internship? Canwest will cover up to $1500 in relocation expenses – moving, rental, gas, transportation. Original receipts must be provided for reimbursement.
If you have any other questions, please email disabilityinternships@canwest.com