Nate N.F. Harris
Gerdau Manitoba Steel Mill
A Greener Future: Three Summers of Growth at Gerdau
This summer marked my third internship with Gerdau Long Steel North America Manitoba Mill and my second with the engineering department. Returning for another term in engineering allowed me to build on the technical experience I gained last summer while taking on greater responsibility through engineering design and project management. Looking back over three summers, I've had the unique opportunity to see the company from both environmental and engineering perspectives, giving me a well-rounded understanding of modern steel manufacturing.
This fall, I'll be entering my fourth and final, year of mechanical engineering in the energy and environment specialization at the University of British Columbia. Throughout my degree, I’ve been interested in how engineering can help industries become more sustainable while maintaining productivity, reliability and safety. Gerdau’s commitment to producing steel from recycled materials and continuously improving its operations has made it an ideal place to see these principles put into practice.
During my first summer at Gerdau, I worked in the environmental department, where I gained an appreciation for the environmental considerations involved in large-scale manufacturing. That experience gave me valuable insight into regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and the company’s commitment to responsible steel production. It also reinforced my interest in pursuing engineering solutions that balance operational performance with environmental stewardship.
Over the past two summers in the engineering department, my role has evolved considerably. While my first engineering internship focused on learning plant systems, reliability, and maintenance practices, this summer I was able to contribute more directly to engineering design and project management. I assisted with developing engineering drawings, coordinating with vendors and contractors, preparing project documentation, and supporting projects from initial design through implementation. Managing multiple projects at once strengthened my organizational skills and gave me valuable experience balancing technical requirements, budgets, schedules and operational needs.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship has been seeing how successful engineering projects depend on collaboration. Working alongside engineers, tradespeople, operations personnel, contractors and suppliers showed me that the best solutions come from combining technical expertise with effective communication and teamwork. Being trusted with greater responsibility this summer allowed me to make more meaningful contributions while continuing to learn from experienced professionals.
Reflecting on the past three summers, I've grown not only as an engineering student but also as a future professional. Experiencing both the environmental and engineering sides of the business has given me a broader perspective on how sustainable manufacturing is achieved in practice. These experiences have strengthened my technical abilities, improved my confidence, and reinforced my passion for designing practical solutions that support a more sustainable industrial future.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Gerdau Long Steel North America Manitoba Mill for their mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the past three summers, as well as to the AIST Foundation for making these opportunities possible. Their investment in students and young engineers has played a significant role in my professional development, and I look forward to applying these experiences as I enter my final year of engineering and prepare for my career.