Employer Spotlight: EBC

Why do UBC students choose EBC? 

• Work on major infrastructure projects across Canada; 
• Take on meaningful responsibilities from day one; 
• Learn from experienced industry professionals; 
• Gain hands-on experience directly on construction sites; 
• Build a pathway toward a long-term career; 
• Join a company where former interns become future leaders! 

What does your company do? 

Founded in 1968, EBC is one of Canada's leading construction companies, delivering major infrastructure, building, industrial and civil projects from coast to coast. With nearly 1,600 employees and six offices across Canada, including Vancouver, we build the projects that connect communities, support economic growth and shape the future of the country.  

For students, this means the opportunity to contribute to projects that leave a lasting mark on the communities where Canadians live, work and travel. In British Columbia, EBC's teams have contributed to and continue to support major initiatives such as Site C: The Generating Station and Spillways (GSS) Civil Works, the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Project, BC Hydro's Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade Project, and the Highway 11 Interchange project. Across Canada, our teams have also been involved in significant projects and developments, including Montréal's Réseau express métropolitain (REM), the expansion of Rio Tinto's AP60 smelter, Lansdowne 2.0 in Ottawa, and Laboratories Canada's future TerraCanada National Capital Area project. 

Whether working in estimation or on site, students gain exposure to large-scale projects, multidisciplinary teams and real-world engineering, construction and project management challenges. Many students tell us that one of the most rewarding aspects of their experience is seeing the tangible impact of their work on projects that will serve communities for decades to come. 

What is the culture like at your organization, and how do you support the professional growth of your employees and co-op students? 

At EBC, our culture is built around five core values: Safety, Expertise, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration. These values guide how we work together, support one another and deliver meaningful projects. We believe our success is driven by our people, which is why we invest in their development and create an environment where employees can grow their expertise, expand their responsibilities and build rewarding careers. 

Professional development is a key part of the employee experience at EBC. We support our teams through mentorship, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities and access to continuous training through our internal learning platform. As EBC continues to grow and pursue increasingly ambitious projects, we are committed to helping our employees grow with us by providing opportunities to develop new skills, take on complex challenges and advance their careers. 

For co-op students, that same commitment to development begins on day one. Rather than observing from the sidelines, students contribute to active projects, work alongside experienced professionals and take on meaningful responsibilities that evolve throughout their internship. They gain exposure to both office and field environments, develop practical skills and build confidence through real-world experience. Many students choose to return for additional internships, and in 2025, 20 former interns accepted permanent positions with EBC. We are proud to help students build the foundation for successful careers in engineering, construction and project management. 

What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student? 

We look for students who are eager to learn, curious, motivated and ready to take initiative. Construction projects are dynamic environments where collaboration and adaptability are essential, so we value individuals who are willing to ask questions, embrace challenges and continuously develop their skills.  

Strong communication skills, attention to detail and a commitment to quality are important, but attitude matters just as much as technical knowledge. The students who thrive at EBC are often those who are comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone and taking ownership of meaningful work.  

We are looking for future builders, engineers, project managers and leaders who want to make a tangible impact through their work. 

How do previous UBC co-op students describe their experience or contributions to your organization? 

“I’ve had the opportunity to take a leading role in the pre-excavation grouting scope for the shaft excavation, from developing the initial documentation to coordinating with the field crews and the Owner’s team. It was my first chance to see a major project activity from start to finish, and the experience taught me what it truly means to take ownership and responsibility for a scope of work. I’m extremely grateful to EBC for the opportunity and the trust placed in me.” – Sarp Ata Kaan, Field Engineer Intern at EBC & Civil Engineering Student at UBC 

“Working on a construction site has taught me the importance of seeing designs on paper being built in real life. Going on site visits helped me build a connection between ideas discussed in the office and their actual implementation. This has shown me how to consider constructability in a design and helped me appreciate the scale of projects that EBC works on.” – Nate Gao, Project Management Intern at EBC & Civil Engineering Student at UBC. 

At EBC, these experiences are not the exception. We believe students learn best when they are trusted with meaningful responsibilities and exposed to real project challenges. 

What are the typical hiring periods for co-ops? 

• Fall semester (September to December): Recruitment in June 
• Winter semester (January to April): Recruitment in September 
• Summer semester (May to August): Recruitment in February  

 
Ready to turn classroom knowledge into real-world experience? Explore co-op, internship and full-time opportunities on our Careers page: Jobs | EBC - EBC