The Association for Co-operative Education BC / Yukon is pleased to announce the recipient of the Industry Partner of the Year Award for 2015: Carmanah Technologies Corporation

Carmanah Technologies Corporation is the 2015 Industry Partner Award, nominated by University of Victoria. Since 2011, Carmanah Technologies has hired 18 co-op students and 8 of these students have been hired on a full-time basis after graduation.  The students work in a wide range of positions within the company, including: facilities coordinator, inside sales, outside sales, business development, communications, project development, and product design. In addition, Carmanah Technologies has been a strong supporter of UVic’s Co-op & Career program by participating in on-campus events such as interview clinics and the ‘What Can You Do With Your Degree’ panelist series.

Carmanah Technologies fosters exceptional experiences for co-op students by:

  • Fully integrating students into the company’s open and inclusive culture
  • Welcoming students into their team as valued members rather than temporary employees
  • Encouraging ownership of projects that drive their success
  • Giving them the freedom to make key decisions related to their departments, such as target markets and new product suggestions

Assigning them to a team to participate in discussions around budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making

Included below are quotations from current and former co-op students, which further demonstrate how Carmanah Technologies is able to foster exceptional experiences for their co-op students:

“Carmanah provided me with the support and motivation to be successful throughout my work experience. This co-op was a great contribution to my business skill set. Carmanah is a great place to develop critical thinking and communication skills, all which are essential when entering the business world. The team at Carmanah makes it a fun and exciting environment with never a dull moment.”– Chris M.

As a third year Uvic business student, I was lucky enough to spend my first co-op at Carmanah where I developed my professional skills, applied my knowledge into a practical business world and had fun with loads of great people. My work within the airfield division enabled me to further develop my business acumen and gained solar & airfield knowledge. You will grow very fast with the help of a great number of intelligent, friendly colleagues. I was assigned an interesting project and a dynamic team. The passion of the staff just made me love working there. What’s more, people care about YOU!–Chao W.

“Working at Carmanah was a valuable and enjoyable CO-OP experience. Unlike other CO-OPS, Carmanah integrated me immediately into their community and culture. I wasn’t treated as a short term contract employee, and was encouraged to get involved with different company activities. I was very impressed by how much time was invested in my skills and knowledge around their business. I would recommend this company, and their CO-OP positions to any student.”–Stewart E.

Over the last two years at Carmanah I have had the chance work in multiple business divisions (traffic, obstruction and corporate services) at Carmanah, moving from inside sales, to sales, and the most recently to my new position as the business development and communications coordinator – a new position for the company! Throughout my time at Carmanah I have been inspired by many of my co-workers, many whom I could formally recognize as mentors in my career path. I have had the ability to travel to represent the company at conferences and trade shows, and have received training in my areas of business. Not only have I had the ability to hone my sales skills, I have also been exposed to many other business functions – which I find to be very important to my overall growth and development as a young business woman. Carmanah works hard to challenge and inspire all employees, and the spirit and comradery in the building are most excellent. Even after almost three years of employment I am still motivated, engaged and excited for what my future at Carmanah will look like. ~Alison Keller.

These testimonials clearly express the quality of the co-op work experience, the mentorship, and the opportunity for professional growth that each student experiences during their time with Carmanah Technologies.