Co-Op Case Studies: Stories of Student Impact
Connor Breen - Irving Pulp & Paper
Electrical Engineering Student
University of New Brunswick Fredericton
5 Work Terms with JDI
As Irving Pulp & Paper undertakes its generational Project NextGen mill modernization, Connor has worked on one of the project’s critical elements: the new recovery boiler. Once completed, the recovery boiler will produce steam to generate green energy to power the mill. Connor’s role in the project was to develop a vital reference document that describes how the new equipment is controlled. This document will ensure processes are properly controlled and will be key to achieving maximum efficiency of the new system.
To tackle this task, Connor developed new automation skills while learning how to interpret vendor logic diagrams and reposition them in a user-friendly way. Thus far, he has developed 900 pages of reference material. "JDI allows students to perform the work we will be doing once we graduate, which builds our relevant skillset," says Connor.
Ronan Allen – Irving Shipbuilding
Industrial Engineering Student
University of Victoria
1st Work Term with JDI
At Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI), Ronan was a member of the team that implemented an innovative solution for naval vessel production and repair. Specifically, it involved a laser ablation system that uses laser beams to remove industrial coatings like adhesives, paints and non-slip surfaces safely and efficiently. Previous methods were tedious and time-consuming.
Ronan was involved in all areas of the project, from coordinating with suppliers and technicians to even physically installing equipment on the floor. This hands-on work exposed Ronan to both the physical and desk components of his field.
Over the course of his term, Ronan discovered he thrives when given a broad task with the leeway to define the goal and determine how to best accomplish it. As a result, he’s now drawn to project management where he can lead a diverse portfolio of technical projects.
“The JDI team has provided the tools and comprehensive support to successfully transition from school to the workplace,” says Ronan.
Julia Lloyd - Irving Wallboard
Reliability Engineering Student
University of New Brunswick Fredericton
5 Work Terms with JDI
Last summer, Julia Lloyd had the opportunity to put her maintenance, engineering and facilities experiences with Irving Wallboard to the test. The soap delivery system, a necessary component in manufacturing drywall, was becoming plugged during operation. Each time a blockage occurred, production would stop and the lines would be replaced. To minimize this downtime, Julia had to determine the root cause of the issue and develop a solution to get production back on pace.
Through her investigation Julia tested material compatibility and learned that the soap was reacting with a metal component in the system's piping, causing build-up and blockages. With this knowledge, her team designed an upgraded soap piping system without reactive materials that should reduce unplanned downtimes and ensure quality standards are consistently met.
This was Julia's first time leading a project and implementing a solution at work, building off skills that she gained from previous work terms. This case challenged Julia to think outside the box to find a solution while strengthening her ability to lead future projects.
"The experience I have gained at Irving Wallboard has prepared me to transition into a full-time role after graduation with confidence,” Julia says.
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