Participant FAQs
What is the Achēv: Innovations in Fintech program?
Achēv: Innovations in Fintech is a 12-week, full-time internship program that provides learners with hands-on experience in the Fintech sector. The program focuses on project-based learning and equips learners with the skills needed for positions in Fintech companies.
Who is eligible to participate?
Achēv is responsible for recruiting eligible participants. To be eligible, learners must complete a 7-week preparatory program before joining employer projects through Achēv.
What are the program dates?
The program will begin in November 2024, with projects lasting 12 weeks, though there may be up to 15 weeks to accommodate breaks.
How long are the projects, and what are the working hours?
Each project is 450 hours, with participants expected to work full-time over 12 weeks.
Do learners receive any compensation?
Yes, participants will receive a stipend, which is paid by Achēv.
How are participant teams formed?
Teams of 1-2 participants will be assigned to projects by an Achēv administrator, based on their expertise.
Can participants choose their projects?
Participants will have the option to choose their top project preferences from a list of available projects in the Fintech sector.
What kind of support is available to participants?
Achēv provides additional support through training modules and onboarding sessions before starting projects. Throughout the program, participants can reach out for assistance via the platform or Achēv's support channels.
How will participants be compensated?
Participants will provide Achēv with their worklogs, as per Achēv’s predetermined process. Participants will then be compensated on a monthly basis throughout the program, via Achēv.
Employer FAQs
Who can participate as an employer?
Canadian companies across various sectors within the FinTech industry are eligible to participate. Employers must undergo Persona verification on the Riipen platform.
What is the process for signing up as an employer?
If you are new to Riipen, create an account.
Apply for a portal pass.
Review and approve up to 2 participants for your project
Kick-off with the participant team you’ve chosen for your project!
What kind of projects can be posted?
Projects must be related to the FinTech sector. Roles can include positions in finance within tech companies, finance roles within FinTech companies, or project management positions in FinTech-related fields. Check out our website for more information.
Participants bring skills such as financial literacy, financial modeling, advanced Excel, blockchain, Python programming, machine learning, cultural adaptability, communication, conflict resolution, customer service, consultative selling, presentation, interview techniques, networking, and leadership.
What is the duration of the projects?
Each project must offer 450 hours of work over a 12-week period.
Can I bring my own participants?
Employers cannot bring their own participants to the program, as all participants need to come from Achēv’s upskilling program before entering the Riipen platform.
How many learners will I be matched with?
You will be matched with 1-2 participants per matched project.
What support is available for employers?
Riipen provides onboarding support for employers, and you will receive help throughout the project duration to ensure a smooth process. Achēv also processes stipends for participants outside of the platform.
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
Employers must;
Provide the participant with the training described in the Training Plan (indicated in the agreement the employer will sign);
Ensure the participant receives adequate supervision, regular and continuing instruction, and sufficient opportunity to learn the job duties;
including orientation training in workplace health and safety;
Keep accurate attendance records of the participant, including days and hours worked;
Inform the Achev Employer Liaison immediately if the participant is to be dismissed, or has quit, before the end of this Agreement;
Provide evaluation information to the Achev Employer Liaison regarding the participant’s progress in relation to the Training Plan;
How do I manage project matches?
Once you submit a project, Riipen will respond within five business days to confirm start and end dates. You will receive notifications to keep you informed throughout the project-matching process.
Achēv: Innovations in Fintech is funded in part by the Government of Canada and is a collaborative effort between Achēv, the Raymond Chang School of Business at
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), and Lighthouse
Labs.
Still have questions? Reach out to us via chat in the avocado found in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen or via email at achev-fintech@riipen.com@riipen.com.