Gwaii Co-op Program
At Gwaii Engineering, we believe in investing in the next generation of values-driven professionals. Our co-op program is designed to give university students hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment, while contributing to infrastructure that strengthens Indigenous communities across B.C.
We welcome new co-op students every four months, offering placements in Civil Engineering and Business Administration. Whether you’re designing on Civil3D, securing much-needed funding for a First Nations community in BC, or supporting project delivery in the office, you’ll gain insights, hone technical skills and build relationships that will carry you forward into a meaningful and successful career.
CO-OP POSITIONS
PROJECT ENGINEER
We’re on the hunt for Civil Engineering students with a passion for making a difference! This role combines a mix of Civil Engineering and Project Management. Hone your skills alongside our team of civil engineers and assist in bringing our projects to fruition.
Location: Victoria, BC
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Calling all Eng Tech students! Jump on board with our skilled team and hone those AutoCad skills on a variety of projects, including work with First Nations communities.
Location: Victoria, BC
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Are you a Business Admin student extraordinaire? Are you looking to gain experience in supporting and managing a fast paced business environment alongside a team of administrators? This is for you.
Location: Victoria, BC
WHY GWAII?
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Our co-op program prepares you for a successful career in engineering or business, while helping you meet work experience requirements for your EIT and P.Eng. designations (and beyond). You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience on real projects with real clients—developing technical skills, professionalism, and confidence.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND NETWORKING
As an Indigenous-owned firm, we’re deeply connected to the communities we serve. You’ll have multiple opportunities to represent Gwaii Engineering at a variety of events, from career fairs to golf tournaments, to important Indigenous movements and community gatherings.
ON-SITE EXPERIENCE
Get out of the office and into the field. Our co-op placements often include safe & responsible exposure to active project sites across Vancouver Island, giving you firsthand understanding of how your designs take shape on (and in) the ground.
opportunities for future employment
We’re always looking for bright, motivated, values-driven individuals to grow with us. Many of our co-op students return as full-time team members after graduation.
Co-op PROGRAM TIMELINES
Sourcing Candidates: SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER
Conducting Interviews: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Sending Offers: NOVEMBER
Sourcing Candidates: JANUARY/ FEBRUARY
Conducting Interviews: FEBRUARY/ MARCH
Sending Offers: MARCH
Sourcing Candidates: MAY/JUNE
Conducting Interviews: JUNE/JULY
Sending Offers: JULY
TO APPLY:
Please send your resume and cover letter to addressed to GLADIA JOY with the subject line “Co-op Program: [desired position]”.
Don't just take it from us...
TAKE IT FROM OUR CO-OP STUDENTS!
“I completed two separate co-op terms with Gwaii Engineering during my 2nd and 3rd years in the University of Victoria’s Civil Engineering program. I was immediately drawn to the company’s goal-driven, problem-solving nature, and from the start, I saw clear opportunities for professional growth and development.
With each project, I gained valuable experience and was trusted with increased responsibility as my skills grew. My hard work was recognized, and I was offered a full-time position upon graduation. I was able to start work before my final exam grades were even in. The flexible work hours and wide range of project experience made it an easy decision.
Over the past three years, I’ve contributed to a variety of projects, including detailed civil design, stormwater modeling, and project management. My work has included multi-family developments, single-family subdivisions, townhomes, and municipal utility upgrades.
One of the most rewarding experiences has been designing and managing the construction of eighteen 5-acre single-family residential lots and 1,300 m of new local roadway. Seeing my hard work become reality and driving those roads has been incredibly satisfying.”
JOSHUA ANDERSON, EIT
University of Victoria, Civil Engineering
Co-op Student, 2019 & 2020
Civil Engineer at Gwaii (Current)
MAYTE SOLIS
Project Engineer Co-op Student, Fall 2024
“I had the opportunity to work as a Project Engineer at Gwaii Engineering Ltd. through my co-op work term, where I worked closely with First Nations communities on impactful infrastructure projects.
This role gave me hands-on experience preparing funding proposals, developing design reports, and coordinating with both senior leadership and First Nations council members. I strengthened my skills in technical writing, research, project coordination, and client communication.
GWAII fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment where initiative is encouraged and professional growth is supported. I especially enjoyed working with Corey Brown and Brandon Ducharme, both of whom demonstrated strong leadership, gave thoughtful guidance, and consistently encouraged personal and project success.
I am grateful for my experience and for the relationships I built at GWAII, and I highly recommend the company to anyone passionate about meaningful projects and building long-lasting relationships with First Nations communities.”
JARED SMYLIE, EIT
University of Victoria, Civil Engineering
Co-op Student, 2022
Civil Engineer at Gwaii (Current)
“I completed an eight-month co-op term with Gwaii Engineering as part of my Civil Engineering degree at the University of Victoria. From day one, I was welcomed by a friendly and supportive team who helped ease my transition into a professional engineering environment. My initial tasks were straightforward, allowing me to build confidence and develop a solid understanding of the company’s workflow and expectations. As I gained more experience and exposure to the world of civil and environmental engineering, my responsibilities grew accordingly. With each new challenge, I felt increasingly confident thanks to the guidance and encouragement of my coworkers, who consistently went out of their way to answer questions, provide feedback, and help me improve.
After completing my degree at UVic, I was offered a full-time position with Gwaii Engineering as a Civil Project Engineer. Over the past two years in this role, I’ve made significant strides in my technical and professional development, including advancing my drafting skills using Civil 3D and contributing to a number of impactful infrastructure projects. One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to support and mentor new co-op students—bringing my experience full circle and giving back to the same supportive environment that shaped the start of my career.”
“As a Business Administration co-op student at Gwaii Engineering, I had the opportunity to contribute behind the scenes on projects that directly support Indigenous communities. My work focused on organizing key operational details that help make complex infrastructure initiatives possible – including coordinating proposal submissions, maintaining grant tracking tools, and supporting communication between internal teams and external partners.
What made this role so meaningful was the trust placed in me to take ownership of tasks that mattered. From developing process documents to managing project handovers, I was encouraged to bring initiative and problem-solving to everything I worked on. I also had the chance to learn from thoughtful, mission-driven leaders who exemplify Gwaii’s commitment to respectful collaboration and long-term impact.This experience not only sharpened my administrative and coordination skills – it gave me a clearer sense of how I want to contribute in the world of business: by supporting organizations that align operational excellence with social purpose. I’m especially thankful to the team for making me feel like a valued part of Gwaii’s work, and I hope to return in the future.”
BROOKE VANDENBERG
University of Victoria
Bachelor of Commerce
Business Administration Co-op, Summer 2025
“My co-op term at Gwaii Engineering was a transformative experience. As a student in the Business Administration Post Degree Diploma with a focus on HR Management and Leadership, I deeply valued the opportunity to work for a company committed to social justice and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
From the beginning, I immersed myself in drafting technical proposals and business development materials, working on projects involving First Nations such as Tla’amin Nation, shishálh Nation, Tla-o-qui-aht Nation, and Malahat Nation. This experience not only strengthened my professional writing and team coordination skills but also expanded my intercultural understanding and ability to communicate with empathy in diverse environments. Beyond honing my professional writing and project coordination skills, this role taught me invaluable lessons about reconciliation in practice— particularly the importance of active listening and centering Indigenous voices.
This co-op solidified my passion for organizations that bridge operational excellence and social impact. Post-graduation, I aim to specialize in business development and consulting, helping companies embed inclusive practices into their core strategies. Gwaii not only provided me with technical skills but also a clear vision of how I want to contribute professionally.”
LUBITZA LOZANO LEON
Business Administration Post Degree Diploma
Camosun College
Business Administration Co-op, Summer 2025
