Since 2013, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has proudly participated in The New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program (NBTAP), an industry-led apprenticeship program for grades 10 and 11 students.

This program provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades to benefit from a paid work experience with a mentor. NBTAP Student Apprentices learn practical trade and workplace skills that will help them get a head start.

Over the past five years, NBTAP has helped over 180 students learn valuable workplace skills through work placements.

Allie Fournier, NBTAP Program and Communications Coordinator, is thrilled with the partnership between NBTAP and JDI.

“NBTAP has lots of awesome partnerships with employers all over the province. We’re very happy with our partnership with JDI in particular, and we hope to continue working together to build an even better New Brunswick."

NBTAP students are working at various JDI companies including New Brunswick Southern Railway, CFM, Irving Equipment, Sawmills Division, Gulf Operators, Kent Homes, as well as Midland Transport.  Since 2013, JDI has supported 18 students throughout our operations working through the NBTAP, two of which are registered apprentices working for the company.  

NBTAP recently hosted a five-year celebration at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. Over 100 attended the event, including past and present student apprentices, employers, and supporters.

The following presentations were made at the event by JDI employees:

• NBTAP Star Graduating Student: Roch Parent (JDI Sawmills, Grand Falls)
• NBTAP Star Alumni: Kenny Nogueira (NB Southern Railway, Saint John)

Roch Parent receiving Star Graduating Student Award.

Star Graduating Student, Roch Parent, is currently studying industrial mechanics at CCNB, Bathurst.  He has spent three summers as an industrial mechanic at the Saint Leonard Sawmill. 

Star Alumni, Kenny Nogueira, completed NBTAP in 2015 after working for NB Southern Railway for three summers as an industrial mechanic student apprentice. Kenny was hired and registered as a student apprentice directly after he completed NBTAP and continues to impress his employer with his attitude, aptitude, and passion for locomotives.  Kenny will be completing his Block 1 and 2 apprentice training in the spring of 2017. 

Congratulations Roch and Kenny!

Skilled trades are essential to our business. In the next three years, we’re forecasting hiring 867 skilled trades workers across our Canadian and US operations.  NBTAP is a vital partner in our strategy to keep New Brunswickers home in good paying jobs and rewarding careers.

Learn more about NBTAP here.

Click here to learn more about skilled trades within JDI.

Check out our careers page for current and future skilled trades opportunities.