PCL recognized by UVic for mentoring efforts

VICTORIA—PCL Construction has been named a 2020 employer of the year by the University of Victoria (UVic) co-op.

The construction company took the award in the more than 50 employees category.

“All of us faced extraordinary challenges in 2020, including a pandemic that swept the globe,” reads a statement from the school. “Throughout it all, co-op employers continued to provide UVic students with meaningful work, support, mentorship and invaluable experience. Each year, we recognize employers who have provided extraordinary learning opportunities to UVic co-op students.”

The university called PCL a “shining example” for its efforts to check in with students to make sure work is engaging, aligned with their goals and improving their skills.

School officials noted PCL went above and beyond during a challenging year.

“This year, PCL’s support of co-op students was particularly apparent in their response to COVID-19,” said school officials. “They provided students with short-term contract work to tide them over until delayed co-op terms began and quickly switched students from onsite to remote work. The work they provided gave students safety and financial security in difficult times.”

PCL has been involved with UVic co-op students since they hired their first UVic student in 2004. In the last three years, they have hired 87 UVic students for a total of 123 co-op placements. Over half these students were on their first co-op term.