Exploring trades, building futures: Jacob’s NBTAP experience
Through the New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship Program (NBTAP), Jacob Leaman had the opportunity to explore his career path before he even finished high school, gaining hands-on experience at New Brunswick Maine Railways (NBMR) through grades 11 and 12.
Now approaching graduation from New Brunswick Community College, Jacob continues to build experience alongside locomotive mechanics in the shop.
“I joined NBTAP to get experience in the career I was interested in,” Jacob said. “After finishing my first work term, I really enjoyed it, so I came back the following summer. I am now in my second year of college and on another summer work term.”
NBTAP connects students like Jacob with New Brunswick-based businesses like NBMR, giving them the opportunity to earn both graduation credits and apprenticeship hours.
“It was a good way to see if I was going to like the trade before starting college,” Jacob said. “It also helped because I had already seen a lot of what we were learning in school.”
Now back with NBMR for another summer, Jacob spends his time building confidence and experience in everything from assisting with inspections to working on major components, each day bringing something new.
“I like that every day is different. You never really know what you’re going to be working on,” he said.
For Jacob, the impacts of the program on one’s career trajectory are clear.
“I would definitely recommend it,” he said. “It gives you a chance to explore different trades and get your name out there in the industry.”
About NBM Railways
Headquartered in Saint John, N.B., NBM Railways is comprised of three short line railways: New Brunswick Southern Railway, Eastern Maine Railway and Maine Northern Railway. Together they provide the most direct rail connections between Atlantic Canada and the northeastern United States. Through partnerships with other major railways, NBM Railways cargo is delivered to destinations across North America.
With an extensive and diverse fleet and a reputation for excellence, safety and reliability, NBM Railways is well equipped to meet customer needs ranging from freight transportation and distribution to maintenance and mechanical services.
