Three Faculty of Engineering‑affiliated employers were among the honourees recognized for their exceptional commitment to student learning and mentorship at the McMaster University Co-op & Internship Employer of the Year Awards event held March 24 at the Ron Joyce Centre. The event celebrated employers who help shape McMaster University students’ career‑growth journeys.
The event highlighted organizations and individuals who go beyond providing work but environments where students are trusted with real responsibility, supported through mentorship and encouraged to grow both technically and professionally.
For a faculty with the third‑largest co-op program in Canada, employer partnerships are essential to the student experience, says Stephanie Harper, Associate Director of the Centre for Career Growth and Experience in the Faculty of Engineering. “The fact that these honourees stood out speaks to the strength of their commitment to student learning.”
Vital Biosciences recognized for engineering and McMaster‑wide excellence
Vital Biosciences Inc. received two honours during the evening: Engineering Co‑op Employer of the Year and McMaster University Co-op Employer of the Year, recognizing the significance of the organization’s impact.
VitalBio is focused on transforming healthcare through diagnostic innovation, with a mission rooted in prevention, equity and patient empowerment. That long‑term, people‑centred approach extends to how the company engages with students.
Since Spring 2022, VitalBio has hired McMaster Engineering co‑op students into meaningful, hands‑on roles, welcoming six students across multiple terms. Most recently, the organization supported Engineering student Jason DeLuca through multiple co-op experiences totalling 20 months.
In his nomination, Jason highlighted the integrity of VitalBio’s workplace culture, pointing to strong values of accountability, ownership and openness to feedback. He described how the environment supported his growth not only as an engineer, but as a professional navigating real‑world challenges.
He also credited the mentorship of Marjorie Toth, Senior Director of Operations, and Harish Krishnakumar, Process Manufacturing Engineer, whose guidance and investment in student learning reflected a broader organizational commitment to development and excellence.
Walters Group supervisor honoured for outstanding mentorship
The Engineering Best Co‑op Supervisor of the Year Award was presented to Tyler Fish of Walters Group Inc., recognizing leadership grounded in trust, mentorship and a genuine investment in student success.
Walters Group, a fourth‑generation family business, has long placed people at the centre of its work. Since hiring its first McMaster Engineering co‑op student in Spring 2017 — Tyler himself — the company has welcomed more than 30 students into project‑based roles across diverse construction environments.
The nomination, submitted by Engineering student Kathleen Beckenhauer, reflected the depth of that commitment. Kathleen described being trusted in contributing meaningfully across large‑scale projects during her 16 consecutive months at Walters Group, gaining confidence through responsibility and hands‑on experience.
Central to that experience was Tyler’s mentorship. Kathleen noted that he consistently provided thoughtful guidance, advocated for her professional development and ensured she received both technical training and constructive feedback. His approach exemplified the balance of high standards and support that defines an outstanding co‑op supervisor.
Lobo Consulting Services recognized as emerging co‑op employer
Also honoured was Lobo Consulting Services Inc., recipient of the Engineering Emerging Co‑op Employer of the Year Award, which recognizes organizations that have made a significant impact on the student experience within their first two years of partnership.
Founded in 1999, Lobo Consulting delivers holistic security solutions across healthcare, education and institutional environments. Since Fall 2024, the company has hired McMaster Engineering co‑op students into Systems Design Intern roles, quickly establishing itself as a growth‑focused employer.
Engineering student Abdul Moeez Bhatti, who is currently completing 12 consecutive months of co‑op at Lobo Consulting, described how the experience helped shape his professional development—from building strong work habits to learning the importance of organization, communication and ownership.
He also emphasized the confidence he gained through Lobo’s collaborative culture, where students are trusted with meaningful design work that directly contributes to large‑scale projects. That trust, he noted, reinforced a strong sense of belonging and value within the organization.