In this employer spotlight, we chat with Ramon Mendoza Novelo, Project Manager at Turner Construction. Turner Construction is an industry leader in delivering impactful projects locally and across the country, and a valued industry partner of UBC's Applied Science Co-op program.
What does your company do?
Turner is a North American-based, international construction services company and a leading builder in diverse market segments. We've earned recognition for undertaking large and complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for its clients, employees, and community. With over 12,000 employees, Turner completes $17 billions of construction on over 1,500 projects each year. Turner offers clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the stability and resources of a multi-national organization.
Turner Construction's local Vancouver Office consists of 165+ highly dedicated professionals, whose unique experience includes projects in various market sectors, including but not limited to commercial buildings and interiors, higher education, healthcare, industrial, and government. We are proud to have been awarded one of BC's 2023 Top 100 Employers, and to have representation on the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction list.
What is the culture like at your organization, and how do you support the professional growth of your employees and co-op students?
At Turner, our culture is rooted in a strong commitment to safety, integrity, diversity, and community. We strive to create an inclusive and empowering environment where employees and co-op students can thrive. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy reinforces these values by ensuring we conduct business with transparency and accountability, build sustainably, and prioritize the well-being of our people.
We foster a culture of inclusiveness through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), such as the Mosaic Network, which champions the career advancement of diverse employees by promoting equity and raising awareness through advocacy and intentional actions. Safety and wellness are central to our operations, and we work diligently to create an injury-free environment for all stakeholders, including our employees, trade partners, clients, and project consultants.
As we take on a large number of co-op students every year, our teams have developed extensive experience in mentoring and guiding students throughout their co-op terms. We understand the importance of providing meaningful, hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of the construction industry. Our teams are well-equipped to help students learn through real-world projects, offering both practical tasks and insights into the broader scope of our work. To ensure their success, we provide structured feedback through term reviews, so they can reflect on their progress and take away key learning experiences. This approach not only encourages personal and professional growth but also enables students to make meaningful contributions to the team, setting them up for future success in the industry.
What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student?
When hiring a co-op student, we look for individuals who are passionate about construction and eager to expand their knowledge in the field. We value candidates who are not only curious but also open to learning and growing professionally. Ideal students are those who see potential for a future with Turner, demonstrating both commitment and a long-term vision. Above all, we prioritize candidates who bring a positive attitude and energetic mindset, as they contribute to a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
How do UBC co-op students contribute to your organization? Can you provide examples of the kinds of projects they work on or successes they’ve achieved?
We have been employing UBC co-op students since the beginning of our local presence in Vancouver over 10 years ago, and many of those former co-op students are now in senior positions at Turner. The placements of co-op students from UBC have touched every department, including Operations, Preconstruction, Cost, Business Development, Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical (MEP) and Self-Perform Operations (SPO). Depending on the students’ interest, we try to place them in a department and on a project that aligns with their growth plans. We take into consideration their term’s duration and their physical location, to assure maximum learning. Some previous UBC co-op students spent their entire term on one project, others were able to see through the precon process and then assisted with project launch and mobilization.
In addition, our strong belief in the students’ contributions to our success, and our continuous collaboration with UBC have allowed us to support various initiatives such as the UBC Steel Bridge program.
- Learn more about Turner Construction's company culture and how they support co-op student's in their career growth in the video below. Hear from UBC Applied Science alum Ramon Mendoza Novelo, along with two past co-op students -- one of whom is now a full-time team member -- about their experiences and the opportunities Turner provides.
