In this Spotlight, we spoke with Kevin Sagermann, P.Eng., Manager of Engineering Training, and Trevor Leite, P.Eng., Lead, Engineering Training at Lauren Services, a full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management company. They share what sets Lauren apart in the industry, highlight the company culture, discuss the impact co-op students have made, and offer advice for students interested in joining the team.
Who is Lauren?
Lauren Services is a full-suite engineering and project execution service provider that has roots back to a small consultancy partnership in Calgary in 1979. Today, from offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, and Houston, our dedicated team delivers dynamic performance and intelligent design across the entire suite of engineering and project services to an incredibly diverse client base. We’re proud to be a preferred place of employment for some of the best and brightest professionals in the industry. We built our reputation by developing a team that combines technical expertise with personal integrity – where talent meets character. We believe our work is helping to move the world forward, one idea, one design, one solution at a time.
What does Lauren do, and what sets you apart in the industry?
We provide comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) services, focusing on delivering projects safely, cost-effectively, and on time, without compromising quality. We build meaningful, collaborative, and long-term partnerships. We do this by building teams that can scale with clients, being honest and proactive communicators, and implementing our one-team approach that creates efficiency and value. We are agile. We can move and shift quickly based on project needs. We aren't stuck in a bureaucracy or hierarchy that gets in the way of results. Our dynamic team and company culture means we can adapt, flex, and jump on opportunities to meet objectives and solve complex challenges -- we don't let things pass us by. We are results focused. When project goals and KPIs are set, we work hard to meet them. We build fit-for-purpose solutions that deliver for our clients by taking a 360-degree approach that considers the end result right from the start. We bring new ideas and solutions to the table to find opportunities for cost and schedule savings. And we deliver what we say we will, every time.
What is the culture like at Lauren, and how do you support the professional growth of our team members and co-op students?
At Lauren, we recognize that our success is built on the relationships we create and nurture with our customers, partners, and team members. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, adaptability, accountability, collaboration, and quality in all our interactions. This commitment extends to our co-op students, who benefit from a well-earned reputation for unparalleled mentorship and support. Lauren offers a hybrid work model, opportunities to work across different offices in Western Canada, and both contract and salaried employment options. Our onboarding and mentorship approach includes structured supervision, regular feedback, training opportunities, and term reviews designed to help students thrive and grow within a supportive and collaborative environment.
What kinds of projects have past Lauren co-op students contributed to, and what have they said about the organization?
Lauren offers co-op students the opportunity to contribute meaningfully across a variety of engineering disciplines:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Process Engineering
- EI&C Engineering
- Civil/Structural Engineering
- Pipeline Engineering
- Design & Drafting
Students are placed in departments where they can apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience and professional growth.
I have no doubt that I’ll have the necessary tools and experiences when I apply for my P. Eng designation in the future. - Austin B., (Indigenous Mentorship Program)
I have received so much support and encouragement as I begin my career. - Natasha E.
Lauren’s EIT program has been instrumental for equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to stay confident. - Craig R. (Lauren EIT)
How have past co-op students made an impact at Lauren?
Co-op students at Lauren gain valuable real-world experience by becoming active contributors to project teams. They are exposed to the codes and standards that govern engineering design and gain a deeper understanding of how consulting work operates in practice. Students who perform well during their placements are often invited back for subsequent internships, which can lead to full-time employment opportunities. Lauren is committed to developing students into the next generation of successful engineers, and we look forward to continuing to support and mentor emerging talent in upcoming terms.
What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student?
We seek co-op students with a strong foundation in engineering principles and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow. Ideal candidates demonstrate the ability to understand the theory behind engineering calculations and can confidently read, interpret, and apply industry codes and specifications. In addition to technical skills, we value soft skills such as a positive attitude, a willingness to take ownership of deliverables, and strong verbal and written communication abilities. Students should be actively pursuing an applicable engineering degree and ideally have relevant work experience. At Lauren, we look for individuals ready to contribute, collaborate, and thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying to work at Lauren?
We recommend keeping resumes and cover letters clear and concise when preparing application materials. Include your expected graduation date, program title, and any relevant courses or projects you’ve completed. For interviews, it’s helpful to be familiar with the courses you’re currently taking and to be ready to discuss a technical challenge you or your team have overcome. Confidence and effective communication are key, and we encourage applicants to come prepared with a couple of thoughtful questions to ask during the conversation.
