Qualico Communities Supports Student Interns Pursuing Careers in Land Development

Winnipeg, MB – Qualico Communities Winnipeg is delivering on its corporate responsibility framework item of hiring and supporting internship, co-op, and workforce development programs through its Land Development Summer Internship program.

The business unit hires interns through the University of Manitoba Indigenous Student Centre, with preference given to Indigenous students enrolled in the Qualico Bridge to Success program. This year marks the third year running of the Land Development Summer Internship program, after Qualico made a five-year renewal worth $1 million to the Qualico Bridge to Success program in 2022. 

Bryan Ward, Vice-President, Qualico Communities Winnipeg, said the Land Development Summer Internship program exemplifies the team’s commitment to its corporate responsibility objectives.

"We are incredibly proud to welcome students, specifically those from the University of Manitoba Indigenous Student Centre, and offer them a rich and diverse hands-on experience,” said Bryan. “We believe that nurturing the future generation of industry leaders through exposure to different positions goes beyond aiding personal growth. It enriches our company culture and ensures we meet our corporate responsibility targets. The success of this program is a testament to our strong partnership with the academic community and our shared commitment to fostering next-generation talent.”

The Land Development Summer Internship program, which runs from May to August, allows successful candidates to choose and shadow three different positions throughout their internship. The interns can choose from nine different positions including Field Survey Helper, Landscaping Helper, Landscape Architect Contract Administrator, General Contractor Labourer positions, and more.

Mike Armstrong, Operations Manager, Qualico Communities Winnipeg, said everyone involved in the program is pleased with how successful it has been to date.

“It’s been great working with the staff at the Indigenous Student Centre at the University of Manitoba,” said Mike. “They are very happy to see some of the students they are advising attend program-funded events, apply for, and even gain summer jobs with us.”

Mike also shared how the internship provided this summer’s interns with newfound direction.

“The opportunity for real-world, on-the-job experience helped each intern make decisions on their education and career paths,” he said. “One intern has decided to pursue architecture and another civil engineering, both diverging from their earlier paths and attributing this change to the lessons and skills they learned during their internship experience.”

The Land Development Summer internship program started in 2017 as a suggestion from the RVP at the time, John Daniels. The program acts as an extension of the Bridge to Success program that Qualico has been running with the University of Manitoba.

With the Land Development Summer Internship program now back in full swing, Qualico Communities Winnipeg is continuing to ensure summer interns get the full experience of working in the field, in addition to sustaining the business unit’s corporate responsibility targets.