The Grand Lake Timber Sawmill and Central NB Woodlands operations opened their doors to high school students and members of the community during their open house sessions last week in Chipman, Minto, and Doaktown, New Brunswick. 

Visitors were greeted by Sawmills and Woodlands employees who were giving info sessions about the operations and potential career opportunities within the organization. 

“They’re getting to connect the dots about employability, skills, what we teach at the school and how they can put it towards getting a meaningful job here locally,” said Barry Meyer, Trades teacher at Chipman Forest Avenue School. 

Students were bused out to various Woodlands sites to learn about the forestry industry followed by a tour of the Grand Lake Timber Sawmill. Tours of the Sawmill and woodlands were also given to members of the public interested in visiting the operation. 

Eugene McGinley, a Chipman resident whose father had worked as the Sawmill manager in the 1930s was emotional as he recounted his childhood growing up living on the property. Mr. McGinley also worked at the sawmill for a time. “I really enjoyed that tour today, it brought tears to my eyes to see the changes and the memories,” said Mr. McGinley.

“We were pleased to have the opportunity to open our doors and inform local communities about the great things we’re doing. It’s important for us to tell our story and update the communities on career opportunities within our businesses,” Said Brooke McAloney Manager of Human Resources for the Sawmill and Woodlands divisions.

JDI is hiring over 10,400 across our operations over the next three years (2018-2020). To see current opportunities with JDI, please visit our careers page: careers.jdirving.com