Say hello to our IT Co-Op: Hayden Dudley-Smith, a 4th year Bachelor of Computer Information Systems student at the University of the Fraser Valley. A returning IT Co-Op based in our Kelowna office, Hayden has continued to grow his skills while deepening his interest in both IT and aviation.
Early Beginnings
Hayden had always been passionate about technology, so choosing IT as a career path felt natural. What confirmed it, though, was his love for aviation. When he saw the chance to work at SKYTRAC, he knew it was the perfect mix: gaining IT experience while supporting the networks that keep the aviation industry connected.
As someone who is passionate about the aviation industry, SKYTRAC felt like a great company to work for.
Life at SKYTRAC
When asked about the culture at SKYTRAC, Hayden summed it up in three words: Collaborative, Supportive, and Appreciative. Collaboration meant no project ever felt like a solo effort. Whether working with Client Services, IT, or Engineering, Hayden saw how each group contributed to delivering quality products for customers.
Support showed up the first time he was tasked with building a test bench for a long-term customer test. Faced with hardware he had never used before, he leaned on his manager, Steve, and the Client Services team. No matter how busy they were, they always made time to guide him and explain the details he needed to know. Appreciation mattered, too. Hayden says that every effort whether big or small was acknowledged.
Lasting Impressions
The project that made the biggest mark on Hayden was setting up networking equipment, including switches and servers, for official company use. It was not just about the technical side. What stood out was the trust. Being given responsibility for equipment worth thousands of dollars gave him confidence and showed that his work mattered.
Alongside that, he set clear goals with his manager to grow in two areas: the Linux command line and Networking. Instead of just practicing in a classroom or following theory from a textbook, he built mini projects with SKYTRAC equipment. That hands-on learning gave him a much deeper understanding of IT in a workplace setting. Hayden credits Danny as the person who had the biggest impact on him, walking him through detailed processes, sharing tips, and encouraging him to build confidence day by day.
It is truly a privilege to be able to do something of that scale, it gave me great experience and it felt great to be trusted to work on equipment that costs several thousands of dollars.
Advice to Future Co-Ops
Asking questions has not always been easy for Hayden, but it is one of the lessons he values most from his time at SKYTRAC. His advice to future Co-Ops is clear: do not hold back. Even the questions that feel “too small” or “stupid” can lead to better understanding and faster growth.
Even a question that you may think is a "stupid question" really might not be, especially if it allows you to gain more insight into how something is done or how it works.
Life outside the office
The memories that stick with Hayden are not just about projects; they’re about the people. Team lunches, day-to-day chats, and the general kindness of colleagues made his Co-Op experience feel welcoming and memorable.
Outside of work, Hayden enjoys photography and working on his website, creative avenues that let him keep exploring and learning on his own terms, and a good balance to the projects at SKYTRAC.
P.S – Building IT skills was only one aspect of Hayden’s term. Being given responsibility for critical projects was about trust. Just as important were the teammates who guided him and the colleagues who made him feel supported every day.
For Career/Co-Op opportunities, visit skytrac.ca/careers.
