News
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Bernie Brockerville has received the 2016 President’s Award for Exemplary Service. Dedicated to students for more than 20 years, the award recognizes his focus on providing excellent service, enhancing the quality of life of the university community and advancing the reputation of Memorial University on a daily basis.
In the Marine Institute’s Office of Career Integrated Learning, Student Affairs, where he works as a senior placement officer, Mr. Brockerville has had the opportunity to work with thousands of students over the years. In his role, he provides leadership to the office and has primary responsibility for coordinating the placement opportunities for students in the nautical science, marine engineering, bridge watch and marine diesel mechanic programs for the School of Maritime Studies.
Throughout the process of helping students secure work placement positions, Mr. Brockerville is focused on providing support and ensuring students have a meaningful experience. He has helped students throughout their entire job search process and has provided support to students transitioning to life at sea, which can be on board a ship off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador or in international waters. This can be a significant transition for students and Mr. Brockerville’s support, both before and during a placement, has often made the difference in a student’s ability to successfully complete their work term and program of study.
Mr. Brockerville goes above and beyond the expectations of his position. During the peak of the placement season, he works whenever he is needed (weekends and evenings included). If an issue arises, he ensures it is addressed with the utmost consideration for all involved. He is also proactive in working with the provincial government in securing funding that is critical to the placement process and he is always available to individuals who have questions or concerns, conveying valuable industry knowledge to support the student. While he does much to help students, he also provides assistance to alumni by placing them in contact with potential employers, providing job search advice and acting as a point of contact when making important career decisions.
In his role, Mr. Brockerville is a key contact for local, national and international companies. He fosters and maintains positive relationships with the Marine Institute’s industry partners, which include employers who hire students for work placement positions as well as Marine Institute graduates.
He also represents the Marine Institute on the board of the industry group, Council of Marine Professional Associates (COMPASS). This group is focused on promoting the development of the marine transportation sector and facilitating member participation in marine transportation industries. With this mandate, it is important for the Marine Institute to have a strong and active voice. This is something Mr. Brockerville ensures with his contribution and leadership to the COMPASS executive committee where he has been a member of the executive for six years and acted as its treasurer for the past two years.
