JDI has partnered with New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) Miramichi Campus to grow NB's forest contractor and operator workforce.

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J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is supporting 30 New Brunswick Community College students through the Mechanized Forest Operator course this year.

The 12-week Mechanized Forest Operations program is a mix of classroom and forest field instruction that prepares students for steady work in New Brunswick's forest products sector.

"During the first three weeks, students learn about maintenance, operations theory, occupational health and safety, as well as forestry and environmental regulations," said Andre Babin, Lead Instructor, Department of Contractor Training, NBCC Miramichi Campus.

Once the classroom sessions are complete, the students will spend nine weeks with on-site instruction using brand new equipment. The students will also take forest field trips to learn about tree identification as well as forest product quality and specifications.

Contractor Bobby Munn of Blackville, New Brunswick is a recent graduate of the NBCC program. He welcomes JDI's assistance in getting his loan for his machine and for putting him and his crew through the NBCC training.

"It is a great opportunity. I think Irving will support you all the way through the course." Munn said.

Kevin Donovan of Renous, New Brunswick decided to take the course and purchase one of the new machines with the support of JDI.

"This is just a great opportunity to get guys working in New Brunswick and at the same time bring my family home," said Donovan.

Donavan says his father used to work in the woods when he was growing up in Renous, and now he says his Dad wants to move back from Alberta to help him out with his new machine.

NBCC Instructor Jeff Cawley, who also worked out west, is now glad to be back home in New Brunswick.

"I came back because this is where my home is and this is where the industry needs me most,” Cawley said. 

JDI is recruiting for the Spring 2016 class with NBCC. 

For more information contact: forestjobs@jdirving.com