Employer Spotlight: Integris on Infrastructure Project Management and Meaningful Indigenous Consultation

Organization Name: Integris Consulting Ltd 

Industry Sector: Project Management 

Company Size: Small/Medium 

Location (City/Region): British Columbia 

Representative Name & Role: Bill Leitch, Owner & Senior Project Manager 

Years of Partnership with UBCO Co-op Program: 3

Tell us about your organization and what drives your work. 

Integris, founded in 2022, is a dynamic infrastructure project management and Indigenous relations firm. Our leadership team collectively brings over 60 years of project management and Indigenous relations experience. We manage a wide range of infrastructure projects for both public and private sector clients.

Our mission is to deliver projects on time, within scope, and on budget, adhering to client requirements and the Project Management Institute’s standards. When working with communities, we take pride in building respectful relationships and meaningful opportunities.

Driven by excellence, collaboration, and accountability, we cultivate a workplace culture where dedication and enjoyment go hand in hand. We believe that a positive and supportive atmosphere is key to both professional achievement and personal satisfaction. At Integris, we balance professionalism with a fun and engaging environment, contributing meaningfully to our industry and the local community.

How are co-op students meaningfully integrated into your team? 

Co-op students are actively integrated into our teams, contributing directly to project outcomes. They engage in real project deliverables from the start, taking part in activities like scheduling, documenting meeting minutes, and developing project plans. They also consult with Indigenous communities, facilitating engagement and feedback sessions. 

Students are placed in departments such as Project Management, Operations, and Community Engagement, where they gain hands-on experience using project delivery tools, collaborating with team members, and managing tasks. They interact with stakeholders, lead meetings, prepare reports, and support project milestones, adding significant value to our projects. 

This integration strategy ensures that students are active participants whose work impacts the team and project success. Their fresh perspectives and willingness to learn often lead to innovative solutions and improved workflows, demonstrating the tangible value of their contributions. 

What impact have co-op students had on your organization? 

Students bring a fun, inquisitive, and collaborative energy to our team. They provide creative solutions to complex problems, improve our operational efficiency, and act as vital contributors to the successful delivery of our projects.

Our first co-op student, Insha Hooda, has been an integral part of the company, bringing incredible talent and energy to the team. Insha commenced her 12-month term with Integris in May 2023 as a Project Coordinator. In this role, she supported the Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager on a range of multidisciplinary projects while also assisting with Indigenous Relations.

As a trusted team member, Insha coordinated project deliverables, assisted with reporting and engagement activities, and contributed to financial forecasting and risk management. We are proud to share that Insha has since graduated and is now a full-time employee. Here is what she had to say about her co-op experience:

“Before joining Integris, I wasn’t entirely sure which direction I wanted to take my career. Over the course of my co-op, I not only developed tangible project management and communication skills, but I also discovered a genuine passion for this field. The mentorship I received from my team was exceptional. They took the time to teach, to include me in important discussions, and to challenge me to think critically and grow.”

What motivated your organization to partner with UBC Okanagan’s Co-op Program, and what have you gained from it?

Integris is a believer in supporting our local community and students looking to join the workforce. Integris fosters a mentorship relationship with all their staff, and it is fantastic to be able to provide an opportunity in the co-op program to mentor some of these students. 

We’ve had great success with the co-op program, finding top-tier talent and hiring many students as full-time employees’ post-degree. 

What would you say to other companies considering hiring a co-op student? 

Our experience has a been a very positive one with the co-op student program at UBCO. The staff supporting the students have done a great job working with employers to help identify the right fit over the years. It is very fulling to see these students grow into roles withing our company and have created opportunities beyond their school to contribute to our company.