With more than 850 employees based out of a recently expanded campus that straddles 6th Avenue downtown, Bow Valley College offers a prime location and a vibrant work environment that has once again made it one of Alberta’s Top Employers.
Since opening 50 years ago, BVC has grown to incorporate three campus buildings, with the newly constructed South Campus completed in 2013, as well as regional sites across the Calgary region. But it takes more than state-of-the-art, LEED-certified buildings to make BVC a healthy workplace, says Donna Schendel, director of human resources.
“One thing that draws people to the college is the culture,” she says. “It’s a culture of collaboration — one where people who come here want to be here for the learners and they believe passionately in what we do.
“When you combine that with a relationship-focused college like Bow Valley, it makes it a nice fit.”
Schendel says staff were deeply engaged in Vision 2020, a planning initiative that set goals for the college moving forward as it strives to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.
And the staff itself reflects that diversity, she adds.
“It is awesome to see so many women in the executive here, and the diverse workplace with our employees coming from different parts of the world — and that’s representative of our students,” Schendel says.
One unique service provided to both students and staff at BVC is the Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre, which allows people to celebrate Blackfoot culture — the college is located on Blackfoot land.
BVC’s location, directly on the CTrain line and close to East Village and the Bow River, makes it an ideal place to work, Schendel says. Staff can embrace wellness by taking a walk along the river or enjoying arts and culture sites in the area, and the college will offer easy access to the National Music Centre and New Central Library when they open just a few blocks away.
“We can’t wait to see how that all develops,” says Schendel.
“Many of our employees can bike to work if they want. We have bike storage in our parkade and even showers so they can freshen up before coming into work. I think it leads to a more balanced lifestyle. In today’s stressful environment, that is important.”
Staff also have access to the on-site Imagine Health Group medical centre that opened in 2015 and will soon be able to use an exclusive fitness room, says Schendel.
“It is a great opportunity for us to partner with (Imagine) on health education for our employees and learners … it is really beneficial from a wellness perspective,” she says.
A generous vacation allowance is another perk. Schendel says BVC enjoys a very low employee turnover rate, adding that the size of the college is an attraction.
“It’s not as large as a university and people like that different culture,” she says.
President and CEO Sharon Carry meets with every new employee, Schendel says, adding that when a colleague recently received her Canadian citizenship, Carry was among the first to congratulate her.
“It’s that personal touch,” says Schendel. “This is an incredibly caring place.”
To learn more about career opportunities at BVC, visit bowvalleycollege.ca/careers.
BOW VALLEY COLLEGE
Years in Business: 50
Number of employees: About 850
Locations: Main campus downtown, plus satellite locations around the Calgary region.
Hiring incentives: Generous vacation allowance, extra time off at Christmas, benefits from Day 1, location close to downtown amenities and East Village, in-house medical centre, soon-to-open fitness room.
Application process: Online at bowvalleycollege.ca/careers
This story was produced by Postmedia Works on behalf of Bow Valley College for commercial purposes. Postmedia’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content.
