PCL Energy

Our employee spotlight this time is Chris McDowell, who has been with PCL since 2012!

PCL ENERGY: Thank you for joining us, Chris! Let’s begin with how you got started here.
Chris McDowell: I started as a journeyperson for PCL Industrial back in 2003 and worked my way up through the ranks. I’ve always been drawn to learning new things and taking on new challenges, and that mindset has carried me through to today.

PE: What does a typical day look like for you?
CM: Early mornings! I'm up at 3:30 a.m., on-site by 5:00 a.m. Most of the day is filled with meetings, field walks and plenty of decision-making, which I enjoy because it feeds my drive to learn and tackle challenges. I usually wrap up between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

PE: What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
CM: Meeting people in different roles, from production leaders and engineers to managers and apprentices. Talking with new apprentices is always memorable because it takes me back to my own early days and reminds me of how far I’ve come.

PE: Have you always been in construction?
CM: Yes. My family owned a plumbing and heating company, so I started working summers in high school. I've had the absolute privilege of working with my dad, first working for him, then later in life having him work for me. Full circle moment.

PE: Do you have a mentor? And are you mentoring anyone yourself?
CM: Colin Harbarenko is my mentor. I’m not mentoring anyone right now, but I’d be open to it.

PE: What advice would you give to someone new starting at PCL?
CM: Ask questions. Knowledge is power and no one is born with it, it has to be sought out.

PE: Do you have any favorite projects?
CM: If I had to pick one, it would be the CNRL Horizon Unit 31/33 construction. That project really stands out.

PE: What about PCL’s culture makes you proud?
CM: We have the investment and care of a family-owned business, but with the resources and support of a large corporation. That balance is rare and powerful.

PE: What is a professional achievement you're especially proud of?
CM: Earning my general gas ticket was a tough exam. And on a broader level, I’m really proud of the work our turnaround and maintenance group does under pressure.

PE: How do you unwind after a long day?
CM: Dinner with my family and spending time with my amazing wife and our dogs.

PE: Describe your ideal weekend.
CM: Camping with the family in the mountains. Nothing better.

PE: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
CM: A pilot.

PE: Any current obsessions?
CM: Our 8-week-old miniature dachshund, Riley.

PE: Fun fact that might surprise people?
CM: I used to spin trance records at small events and after-parties when I was younger. I still have the turntables and vinyl!

PE: Who would you nominate for the next employee spotlight?
CM: I’d like to nominate Karen Loughlin.

Thanks again Chris for sharing your story with us. Your journey through the trades and your continued leadership at PCL Energy are inspiring!

We are looking for carpenters at a project in Fort Saskatchewan.

Apply here:

CraftLink CraftLink by PCL Constructors Inc. allows users to create and maintain their profiles, upload resumes and certifications, and apply instantly for relevant job opportunities.

Today’s employee spotlight features Lauralee Munro, a Journeyperson Red Seal Structural Ironworker and proud third-generation tradesperson!

PCL Energy: Thanks for joining us! Can you tell us a bit about your trade and how you got started?
Lauralee Munro: I’m a Journeyperson Red Seal Structural Ironworker. I’m a third-generation ironworker, my dad, uncles and both grandfathers all worked in the trades. Family played a big part in leading me here. I’ve also always been interested in hands-on work, learning and solving problems. Construction happened to offer all of that.

PE: Where did your career begin?
LM: I started in Saskatchewan working in commercial construction, then moved into Alberta’s heavy industrial sector. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work on big projects across Western Canada, including Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC.

PE: Have you had any mentors along the way?
LM: Definitely. From family members to journeypeople and leaders in the field, mentorship has been key in shaping my career. Their guidance helped me grow and build a solid foundation. I’m proud to be a mentor myself now, especially supporting apprentices, it’s something I truly value.

PE: Are you interested in expanding your skills or certifications?
LM: Yes! I’ve dabbled in welding and think it’s a neat skill to have. I’m also working on a business diploma in management, so there’s always room to grow.

PE: Do you have a dream or favorite project you’ve worked on?
LM: I’ve been fortunate to work on some large, exciting projects. I’ve always wanted to try out a bridge project or pipeline work, those would be amazing experiences.

PE: What drives you in your career? Who do you do this for?
LM: I do this for my daughter, myself and for the people who look up to me. This career has given me independence, stability, leadership opportunities and a platform to inspire other women in the trades.

PE: What advice would you share with someone starting out?
LM: Stay curious, have fun with it and never stop learning. The trades can be challenging, but if you show up consistently and take pride in your work, the rewards will come.

PE: How do you unwind after a busy day?
LM: I spend time with my daughter and dogs. When I want something creative, I turn to photography.

PE: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
LM: I love going on adventures, attending concerts, photography, being outside and traveling.

PE: When you were a child, what did you want to be?
LM: I wanted to be a teacher!

PE: Finally, who would you nominate for an employee spotlight?
LM: I’d like to nominate Juliana Eisenhawer-Hastings.

PE: Thanks for sharing your story with us! It’s inspiring to learn about your journey and the passion you bring to the trade.

Getting paid and gaining experience?

That’s the power of the trades.

Today’s employee spotlight features Eric Hempstock, from our site leadership team!

PCL Energy: Thanks for joining us, Eric. How long have you been with PCL, and how did you get started?
Eric Hempstock: I’ve been with PCL Energy since 2017. I started at Fort Hills as a pipefitter, and then in 2022, I transitioned into the role of Superintendent.

PE: What drew you to this role, and how did you get started with us?
EH: I’ve always been drawn to leadership roles in my career. I started in supervision at Fort Hills as a Foreperson and General Foreperson, which eventually led me to this current role.

PE: What does a typical day look like for you in your role?
EH: A typical day starts with reviewing the work from the previous day and confirming the plan for the day ahead. I spend a lot of time conducting field walks and planning for future work, ensuring we eliminate any roadblocks that may slow down progress.

PE: What’s your favorite part of the job?
EH: I really enjoy watching the work we’ve built and eventually seeing it completed. It’s rewarding to see the finished product after all the hard work that goes into it.

PE: Do you have any history working in the construction industry or any family members who have worked in the trades?
EH: I’ve been in the construction industry since 2012, but I’m the first in my family to be involved in the trades.

PE: Do you have a mentor, or have you been a mentor to anyone?
EH: The PCL Superintendent group has been a fantastic group of mentors for me. Everyone shares their experience and knowledge so freely, and I’ve learned a lot from them. I’d love to be a mentor myself and share what I’ve learned with others in the future.

PE: What advice would you give to someone new starting at PCL?
EH: My advice would be to ask questions and always keep learning. There’s a huge wealth of experience at PCL, and it’s something you can really tap into.

PE: Do you have any favorite projects you’ve worked on?
EH: The Cascade Power Plant is a standout project for me.

PE: What is it about our company culture that makes you proud to be at PCL?
EH: I really appreciate how consistent the PCL culture is. No matter what Energy project you walk into, you know exactly what kind of environment you’re going to find; it’s always supportive and team-oriented.

PE: What’s a professional achievement you’re proud of?
EH: I’m proud to have progressed into the Superintendent role. It’s been a big step, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

PE: How do you unwind after a busy day at work?
EH: After work, I like to hang out with my son and read a book.

PE: What does your ideal weekend look like?
EH: My ideal weekend is all about relaxing with family. We keep things low-key and enjoy each other’s company.

PE: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
EH: I wanted to be a paleontologist when I was a kid.

PE: Thanks for sharing with us, Eric! It’s great to get to know you better.

Happy National Tradesperson Day!

Today, we celebrate the builders and innovators whose skill and dedication turn ideas into reality. Every successful project starts with their expertise and pride.

Comment below to recognize a tradesperson you appreciate and recognize their hard work!

Today, we continue highlighting our valuable tradespeople. This week’s spotlight is on Chris Kozak, an Electrician.

PCL Energy: Thank you for joining us, Chris. Let’s start from the beginning. What led you into this career, and where did it all begin?
Chris Kozak: Right at the very beginning! I kicked things off with Canem, where I really learned the ropes from the ground up. For me, the draw to this career was all about opportunity. I wanted something that would challenge me, push me to grow, and give me a sense of purpose. At that time, becoming an electrician just felt like the right path.

PE: Did you have a mentor along the way, or is mentorship something you’d like to provide to others?
CK: I’ve had family in the trades before me, and that support really helped shape the way I approached work. As for me, I’d like to become a mentor one day. Even if it’s something small like passing on a tip or sharing an experience, it feels good to give back. I’d be happy knowing I could make someone else’s path a little smoother.

PE: Do you see yourself ever going after another trade certification?
CK: Absolutely, I’d pursue another if the opportunity came along.

PE: At the end of the day, who or what motivates you to do what you do?
CK: My family. Everything I do is for them.

PE: What has this career given back to you so far?
CK: The trades aren’t always easy, but they’ve given me stability. Because of this career, I’ve been able to own a home, provide for my family, and build a life I’m proud of.

PE: What advice would you share with someone interested in following a similar path?

CK: Always ask questions. Don’t ever stop learning, not just in your career but in life in general. Every question you ask is a step forward; you’ll be surprised how much you can pick up just by being curious.

PE: What do you like to do outside the job?
CK: Well, lately I’ve been spending a lot of time rebuilding my basement after a flood, so that’s become my main after-work project. Outside of that, I enjoy spending time with my family.

PE: Growing up, what did you imagine you’d become one day?
CK: Something in sports, without a doubt. I’ve always loved the energy and competition that comes with it.

PE: How about music? Do you have a favorite band, concert, or festival memory?
CK: I listen to a bit of everything, so it’s hard to choose just one favorite. For me, every concert I’ve gone to has been memorable not just because of the music, but because of the friends I was with and the memories we made together.

PE: What’s one thing that always makes you smile?
CK: My kids, hands down.

PE: Last question, if you could nominate someone else for the next employee spotlight, who would it be?
CK: I’d nominate Aldi Niemand.

PE: Great choice! Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Chris.

This , we celebrate the skilled tradespeople, from those who paved the way to those building today.

Thank you for your dedication. We hope you get the chance to relax and spend time with those who matter most. Happy Labour Day!

What is this tool?
Who on the crew uses it and what is it used for?

Drop your guesses in the comments!

We’re excited to spotlight Wayne Brogan from our Labour Relations team in today’s employee spotlight!

PCL Energy: Thank you for joining us, Wayne. How long have you been with PCL, and how did you get started?
Wayne Brogan: Over 13 years! I first interviewed as a Carpenter Foreman with PCL Builders in 2011. A year later, a recruiter I’d worked with moved to what’s now PCL Energy as a Manager. They were looking for recruiters to hire from Ireland and took on me and one other Irish chap.

PE: What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
WB: No two days are the same. I'm involved in recruiting, site visits, estimating support, career fairs, CLAC matters, and assisting operations. With 40+ superintendents and nearly 900 tradespeople across 12 projects, there's always something on the go, especially with our busy LR team.

PE: What’s your favorite part of the job?
WB: Helping people, particularly watching people grow in their roles and careers, whether it's staff or our trades.

PE: Do you have any family members who have worked in the trades?
WB: Yes, many uncles of mine were tradesmen, and I apprenticed with them in Ireland. My father was a truck driver who later worked in construction.

PE: Do you have a mentor?
WB: I’ve been lucky to have many mentors, especially here at Energy. I also still reach out to people in Ireland, my old boss and my brother-in-law, who also came from the trades.

PE: Any favorite projects you worked on?
WB: Waupisoo Pump Station was my first solo recruiting project, and Fort Hills was another high point, hiring 200 craft weekly, growing to 4,200 workers, and securing 80% support on a collective agreement.

PE: What is a professional achievement you are proud of?
WB: Hanging up my tool belt and moving into a role I never imagined. Starting in recruiting, then growing into Workforce Supervisor and now Manager. Building trust at PCL and in the industry means a lot to me.

PE: What is your favorite way to reset?
WB: After work, it’s usually with some comedy on YouTube, Billy Connolly or 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, gets me laughing in traffic. On days off, I love camping, or glamping, with my wife and kids.

PE: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
WB: A truck driver, my father would take my brother and me on Saturdays and I loved it. As a teen I knew it was going to be the trades, so I went to carpentry.

PE: What advice would you give?
WB: Show up every day, 99% of success is showing up.

PE: Current obsession? (Song, Food, TV series?)
WB: I read lots, nonfiction, biographies, history, but lately I’m on a podcast roll. Diary of a CEO and High Performance always have interesting guests.

PE: Fun fact about you that may surprise people?
WB: I worked in Doha, Qatar, in 2008. The hottest day was 54 degrees Celsius, I will take -40 any day. I also read lots about Antarctic explorers from the turn of the 19th century.

PE: Thanks Wayne, it was great getting to know you!

Can you guess the 3 trades from the emoji clues?

Drop your answer in the comments!

We're hiring trades and skilled craft positions for our projects in Squamish and Coquitlam, BC.

Take a water taxi to work and help build critical infrastructure in stunning locations.

Apply here: go.pcl.com/re8q