Two local employers have been recognized by Camosun College for providing exceptional work-integrated learning and career opportunities for students.
Accent Inns and Hotel Zed won Camosun College 2025 Co-op Employer of the Year Award and Seaspan Victoria Shipyards won 2025 Business Employer of the Year Award.
The Co-op Employer of the Year recognizes the top overall employer across all co-op programs, while the Business Employer of the Year recognizes an employer that made an outstanding contribution specially to students in business-related co-op programs.
Known for their vibrant culture and bold personality, Accent Inns and Hotel Zed stood out as the top employers in the Hospitality and Tourism programs and were also selected as the overall 2025 Co-op Employer of the Year.
Accent Inns and Hotel Zed hired four co-op students in 2025, with three of those roles designed to span across two departments - a rare opportunity that allowed students to gain hands-on experience in front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Students got the chance to learn from multiple leaders, broaden their skill sets, and develop a well-rounded understanding of hotel operations.
Sarah-Joy Kallos, Co-op Internship Coordinator, Hospitality and Tourism Management programs at Camosun, says, "It has been a pleasure working with Accent Inns and Hotel Zed in Victoria over the years through co-op education. They have supported students throughout their co-op journeys - from providing practice interviews with students to mentoring them to gain skills and knowledge crucial to hotel operations in the workplace."
Phimthong Muenthip, a former Hospitality Management co-op student says, "My mentor was always helpful and willing to support me whenever I asked for guidance and inspired me to support new team members in the same way."
This property has supported students by participating in the networking and interviewing classes in Hospitality and Tourism Career Skills, posting co-ops even during slow seasons, mentoring students while on co-op and after their work term, and participating in HIRES', Camosun's refugee pre-employment training pilot project, in partnership with World University Services of Canada and the federal government.
Avery Myall, Assistant Manager, Hotel Zed Victoria, shared her experience working with the co-op students. "Working with co-op students from the Camosun College Hospitality Program has been such a rewarding experience. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to jump in brings an awesome energy to the team that totally fits the vibe."
Seaspan Victoria Shipyards wins 2025 Business Employer of the Year
Victoria Seaspan Shipyards participated in the Camosun College Co-operative Education program for the first time in 2025 and set a strong standard from the beginning. What truly set Seaspan apart was their commitment to let the student grow beyond his co-op role, by engaging him in meaningful, complex work that reflected the challenges faced by the maritime industry.
"This wasn't just a co-op it was a turning point in my professional life. I developed skills that went beyond the technical: communication, initiative, adaptability, and leadership," says Enrique Herrera Mejia, Business co-op student, Post Degree Diploma in Business Administration, General Management program.
Enrique was given the chance to take on various responsibilities. He assisted with audits, spearheaded internal projects, worked with ISO and quality systems and analyzed any discrepancies found in documentation. He was also invited to high-level meetings and technical discussions where critical operational decisions were made.
Enrique credits his growth during his co-op term to the mentorship he received from Tessa Kirkland, Manager, Quality Assurance, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards Co. Ltd. From the start, she guided him through complex technical processes, offered thoughtful feedback, and created a supportive learning environment. Reflecting on Enrique's growth, Tessa says, "Enrique brought a great mix of skill, initiative, and positivity to the team. He jumped into big projects like his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt work with real enthusiasm and delivered improvements that genuinely helped the shipyard."
"Camosun's Business Co-op program is excited and proud to be a partner in such a positive work-integrated learning experience," remarked Jennifer Phillips, Business Co-op and Internship Coordinator at Camosun College. "This placement has proven to be an exceptional match, where both the employer and the co-op student have benefited beyond what is typically expected in a co-op experience," she added.
Co-operative education is directly aligned with the college's Strategic Plan of preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world and responding to community needs. "Without community and industry, these applied learning endeavors would not be possible," says Helen Kobrč, Chair of Co-operative Education.
In 2025, Camosun College Co-operative Education received 827 co-op job postings from 292 employers, showing a growing commitment from industry partners to support student learning.
