Co-op to Career: Supporting Early Engineers at AME

“I was surprised by how in-depth the mechanical requirements were for buildings,” he recalls. “From pipe and duct routing to full hydronic plants – the building industry just wasn’t something I’d been exposed to at university.” That steep learning curve turned out to be one of the best parts of the experience.

A highlight of Ben’s early career was leading Construction Administration on the Royal Roads University John Horgan Campus, a multi-year project that sharpened his skills in site conditions, problem-solving, and managing contractor-consultant relationships. The campus opened in August 2025, a tangible milestone he’s proud to have been part of.

The transition from student to professional wasn’t without its adjustments. The structure of a working day took getting used to, but Ben found his footing by building routines and carving out time for hobbies he hadn’t had space for as a student. He also credits his colleagues: “Greg and Mitch have been there since day one — always willing to answer questions and help me think things through.”

AME’s Tech Times — internal presentations where team members share knowledge from past projects — also played a quiet but meaningful role. Presenting to the Victoria office during his co-op terms gave Ben the communication confidence that made client-facing work feel much more natural later.

What he found was an industry that never stops evolving. “New codes, new technology, unique projects with new challenges,” he says. “It’s always learning.” That mindset fit naturally with his own approach, even as he navigated the gap between engineering theory and real-world practice.

A standout moment from his co-op came near the end of his term, working on a Marriott hotel renovation that converted a swimming pool area into a fitness room. Seeing his own drawings used on a construction site for the first time was the kind of validation that makes the transition feel real.

After graduating from the University of Calgary, Nathan returned to AME’s Calgary office as a full-time AMEr. He says the decision was an easy one. The culture at AME, and the simple fact that everyone is approachable, stood out during his co-op term. There’s always someone ready to offer guidance, and mistakes are treated as teaching moments rather than setbacks. Tech Times and AME’s Education and Training budget have continued to support his growth now that he’s full-time, giving him access to industry events and courses that keep his skills sharp.