Teck offers ‘a job that gives you meaning’

When Kim Lyle goes to work each day and looks at the rugged terrain of the Highland Valley in B.C.’s Interior, she’s excited to know the rocky slope she’s standing on is at the cutting edge of reclamation technology where no two days working at Teck Resources are the same.

“There’s such a variety of things I get to do, and I just love getting the opportunity to do new things with great people,” says Lyle, senior co-ordinator, biodiversity, reclamation and closure. “I get to interact and collaborate with a wonderful team that is skilled and talented with all different kinds of expertise and experience on a regular basis.”

Teck is a leading Canadian resource company with world-class copper and zinc operations in North and South America. Headquartered in Vancouver, the company’s 7,200 employees responsibly produce the metals essential for global development and the energy transition.

Teck is dedicated to working with communities to restore the landscapes it works in. The Highland Valley Copper mine site presents Lyle and her fellow employees with unique challenges. But since joining Teck two years ago, she’s seen how the company has used innovation and collaboration to transform the landscape. From adding the latest biodiversity monitoring tools to a research trial to achieve hardier seedlings, she and her team are always exploring new reclamation technologies and techniques.

It’s the kind of work Lyle fell in love with at university. In addition to getting her bachelor of science degree, specializing in ecology, from the University of Waterloo, she also received a diploma in ecological restoration at the same time. She went on to get her master’s in science, specializing in mine site reclamation. After getting into the field during a co-op program, she knew she’d found her career.

To keep her at the forefront of her vocation, Teck offers in-house training as well as apprenticeships and skills programs. It also provides mentorship programs and up to 100 per cent coverage of tuition fees.

“We provide rewarding career paths and people are given every chance to fulfil their potential. Teck’s education and training opportunities are key factors in attracting and retaining employees,” says Patrick Doyle, vice president, human resources and talent.

“At Teck, you can meet your personal and family goals working in a place where you’re going to be rewarded for your efforts, as well as contributing to something bigger than yourself.”

Lyle and all Teck employees stay connected with each other via team meetings, conferences with their managers and even 360-degree feedback, where both performance and processes are reviewed. That helps to create a collaborative culture across Teck’s global operations.

“If you work at Teck, you’re going to work in a place where the company can have an impact on the world. You as an individual can come in and have an impact as well,” says Doyle.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a job that gives you meaning.”

Making that difference is what motivates Lyle and her team.

“The reclamation space is developing fast right now in Canada and in B.C., and Teck isn’t afraid to be in those spaces where we increase biodiversity and achieve positive impacts,” she says.

“It’s not always common for a company to say, ‘You know what, we’re going be in the forefront of this.’ It’s been a really amazing two years so far and I’m excited to keep going.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top 100 Employers winners, published November 15, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

Teck tailors unique career paths for employees

Ariel Poznikoff has worked at Trail Operations of Teck Resources Limited for eight years, yet she continues to discover new things in her familiar environment.

“My overall experience at Teck has been a fun learning journey and I’ve really enjoyed that part of it,” she says. “I’ve spent a majority of my time at this site working with great people who are like a community to me.”

Headquartered in Vancouver, Teck is a leading Canadian resource company with over 7,200 employees across world-class copper and zinc operations in North and South America. The company is focused on responsibly providing the metals essential for global development and the energy transition.

Poznikoff’s passion for learning is supported by the company’s commitment to providing the opportunities, training and development programs that employees need to succeed.

“An important part of our job at Teck is making sure we’re creating meaningful career paths and engaging work for our employees,” says Patrick Doyle, vice president, human resources and talent. “We provide our employees the tools and skillset they need to fulfil their potential and make an impactful contribution to an organization that’s trying to make a difference in the world.”

As an operator instructor, Poznikoff plays an important role in driving Teck’s culture of safety. She meets with shift leaders and team members daily to make sure they are updated on Teck’s training and safety practices, and hosts regular crew talks that focus on specific topics such as safety shares and feedback to help develop new programs.

Poznikoff says she learns from her colleagues’ diverse experiences at Teck and participates in the Leading for the Future mentorship program, where she is both able to receive valuable guidance and offer mentorship to others.

“I’ve had many mentors in my career at Teck and I am glad that I have this chance to provide feedback that is always valued,” she says. “I really value the opportunity to work with people who have since retired and gather as many stories as possible on how things have been improved at our operations site as the continuous improvement is important.”

Teck’s office spaces foster collaboration and balance social engagement for both group and individual work. Its hybrid model allows employees to split time between home and office, staying connected through online platforms and in-person events. Teck also supports and encourages employees to invest time back into their communities through volunteering initiatives and participating in community activities, such as the United Way and youth sports.

Teck’s comprehensive approach in providing employees with the best possible career paths based on their individual needs enables employees like Poznikoff to stay and grow in one place or see different parts of the world where Teck operates, says Doyle.

“We put a lot of thought into the employment experience and customize career paths to help everyone succeed, whether you prefer to settle in one city to raise your family or explore the world,” he says. “Our culture is built on caring for our people, and we always prioritize their well-being.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's BC’s Top Employers winners, published February 11, 2025 in the Vancouver Sun. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

Teck empowers employees to own their careers

As a student, Natalia Vinueza didn’t know much about the mining industry. But after signing up for a co-op program with Teck Resources Limited, she soon learned she’d tapped into a rich vein of fast-tracked career development.

“From my first few weeks, I felt my team and my supervisor trusted me with relevant projects that were big in scope,” says Vinueza.

“Teck empowers young employees to lead and take on big challenges. They push you to excel and bring out the best in you.”

Headquartered in Vancouver, Teck employs 7,200 employees across its world-class copper and zinc operations in North and South America. Teck is focused on responsibly providing the metals essential for global development and the energy transition.

As a campus talent acquisition coordinator, Vinueza manages Teck’s co-op programs nationwide. She works on everything from recruitment to ensuring the students are getting the most out of the Teck co-op programs. Whether planning a career fair at a university or an on-campus info session, she and her team always try to ensure everyone’s informed and having a good time.

“I’m the chair of the student experience committee and we organize fun events like pumpkin carving parties and meet-and-greet get-togethers, including with our CEO,” she says.

“We host dinners and organize various social activities to make our co-ops feel welcome and part of the team.”

Patrick Doyle, vice president of human resources and talent, says Teck is a place where young employees get all the support they need to grow in their careers while maintaining work-life balance.

“Our co-op students make a significant impact, and young employees are given every chance to fulfil their potential,” he says.

Vinueza and her fellow employees have significantly benefited from Teck’s comprehensive education and training programs. In addition to apprenticeship and skills training, the company also offers tuition subsidies of up to 100 per cent. Vinueza adds that tapping into the extensive experience and knowledge of her colleagues is another invaluable resource that is available.

“At Teck, you’ll find people in their 20s and those with 20 to 30plus years of experience working together,” Vinueza says. “Everyone values each other equally, no matter their background. Young professionals are encouraged to talk about their career plans and pursue new roles that excite them. There’s always room for you to find your passion at Teck.”

Teck’s inclusive and diverse workplace culture enables employees to be part of a larger, common purpose to become the world’s leading provider of responsibly-produced energy transition metals, says Doyle.

“We invest heavily in sustainability efforts and caring for the people, communities and the land that we operate in,” he says. “I believe that young people today want to work for organizations that have a strong purpose, and Teck is invested and committed to being a positive contributor to society.”

Teck, he adds, offers young professionals a supportive and dynamic environment where they can thrive and make meaningful contributions. With a strong focus on career development, sustainability and community, he says, Teck is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can find their passion and grow.

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top Employers for Young People winners, published January 21, 2025 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.