CFB Esquimalt proves it is a top employer

Local educators and employees from CFB Esquimalt were honoured recently with a Provincial Industry Partner of the Year Award (2018) by the Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon. From the left: Heather Workman, President of ACE WIL; Heather McDonald, Co-op Employment Facilitator, Camosun College; Emjay Bailey, Corporate Services Officer and Team Lead for Project Outreach at CFB Esquimalt; and Base Chief of Staff Danielle Smith. Photo credit Camosun College

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

CFB Esquimalt has earned two awards for its outstanding support of post secondary co-operative education programs and students.

The first award – the 2018 Provincial Industry Partner of the Year award – was presented May 14 by the Association of Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL).

A second honour, the 2018 Co-Operative Employer of the Year award, will be handed out June 17 by the Camosun College School of Business.

“The base employs about 80 students per term through the co-op program, which not only provides students with the hands-on experience they need to succeed after graduation, but also helps enrich our workplace by bringing new ideas and new energy to our organization,” said Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander. “We are proud to play a role in supporting the future workforce within our community.”

Heather McDonald, Employment Facilitator for Camosun College Business Programs, nominated the base for both awards. In 2018, 21 Camosun College students had job placements in Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton, Base Logistics, Maritime Forces Pacific headquarters and Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch.

McDonald says the relationship between her program and the Department of National Defence is a valued one. The base goes beyond just hiring short term placements. They showcase job opportunities available after graduation and hold mock interviews to help students improve that skill.

“They have taken a proactive approach with several civilian employees attending co-op education events,” said McDonald. “The co-op students who have gone on to work at the base have had great experiences, supportive supervisors and expanded their skill sets.”