Engineering Student Thrives in Subway Project Co-op Role

When Leah Cavaricci stepped onto the construction site of the Exhibition Station in downtown Toronto, she faced a mix of excitement and uncertainty. As an engineering student, it was her first experience in a bustling environment dominated by drilling rigs and excavators, all contributing to the Ontario Line Subway Project.

Cavaricci quickly found herself as the only female on site during her co-op placement with Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. (GIPI). Initially hesitant to express her ideas, her growing experience and confidence soon transformed her into a leader. Over the course of her 14-month placement, she not only honed her technical skills but also earned the respect of her colleagues, culminating in her recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Engineering Co-op Award at Western University.

Transformative Learning Experience

The Engineering Co-op Award celebrates exceptional performance, professionalism, and initiative during placements. Cavaricci’s journey exemplifies how work-integrated learning can foster both professional and personal development. At GIPI, she was involved in one of Toronto’s largest infrastructure undertakings, the Ontario Line, which connects Exhibition Station to the Science Centre.

Initially, her responsibilities included supporting project management and operations teams through design reviews, scheduling, and tracking daily progress. It wasn’t long before her supervisors recognized her potential.

“Leah understood assignments immediately and always delivered quality work ahead of schedule,” said Luis Alemany, project manager at GIPI. “She kept asking the right questions, showing real initiative. Her growth in the field was outstanding—she started by learning from another co-op student and finished the year leading her own crew.”

As her capabilities expanded, so did her leadership roles. Cavaricci ultimately managed the South SOE site, where she coordinated a five-person crew, oversaw concrete deliveries, and liaised with contractors and suppliers. This was particularly challenging given the tight deadlines exacerbated by events like the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and the Honda Indy.

“Night shifts, road closures, concrete shortages—every day brought new challenges,” Cavaricci reflected. “But that’s what I loved most. Solving problems on site taught me how to lead, adapt, and stay calm under pressure.”

Looking Toward the Future

Her resilience and dedication were evident throughout the project’s various phases. By the conclusion of her placement, she had transitioned from a supportive role to a leading figure. Alemany noted that she even conducted GIPI’s learning session in August 2025, presenting project progress and guiding colleagues through a site tour.

“It’s always rewarding to witness a young professional grow so quickly,” Alemany added. “Leah has a great career ahead of her. I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself working under her supervision someday.”

The recognition from Western Engineering highlights the increasing significance of co-operative education in cultivating the next generation of engineering leaders. “Leah’s story captures what co-op is all about,” said Kyle Reid, manager of career services and experiential learning at Western Engineering. “She brought curiosity, professionalism, and leadership to one of the most complex infrastructure projects in Canada. This award celebrates students like Leah who bridge classroom learning with real-world impact.”

Reflecting on her time at GIPI, Cavaricci asserts that her co-op experience shaped her professional trajectory. “Before this experience, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she admitted. “Now I know I want to be a site supervisor for shoring projects. It’s challenging, it’s fast-paced, and it’s rewarding to see something you helped build come to life.”

With a smile, she envisions the day she rides the Ontario Line, proudly noting, “I helped build that.”