This past spring, recent Mohawk College Architectural Technology co-op graduate, Omar Ashkar received the Intern Excellence Award 2025 for the Greater Toronto Area at Pomerleau's annual Excellence Celebration. Omar completed two co-op terms at Pomerleau and has since accepted a full-time position with the company.
Pomerleau is one of Canada's largest construction companies, specializing in building, infrastructure, and civil engineering projects across the country. The organization is involved in major and complex projects such as hospitals, transit systems, wastewater treatment plants, and renewable energy facilities, often involving innovative and sustainable construction practices.
Each year, Pomerleau celebrates the contribution of its interns through the Excellence program. This initiative expresses appreciation for students who completed their internships and recognizes the outstanding performance of those who stood out by awarding them one of the 2025 Excellence scholarships.
Omar was one of eleven interns to receive the award out of 366 interns eligible. Pomerleau recognizes the talent, effort, and achievement of its top interns through a nomination and scholarship program. Each year, the management of each office nominates the most outstanding interns in each of the firm's main divisions. The winners are chosen from across Canada and invited to the Excellence Celebration to be honoured and receive a $2,500 scholarship.
"Receiving the Toronto Intern Excellence Award means a lot to me. My time at Mohawk and my co-op with Pomerleau helped shape my confidence, skills, and passion for the building industry. I'm grateful for the support and opportunities that made this achievement possible," says Omar, now working as a Project Coordinator at Pomerleau Construction.
Omar's achievement sets an inspiring example of what dedication and passion can achieve. This recognition is more than just an award; it reflects the value of hands-on learning and the impact students can make when given the opportunity.
