From Brazil to Truro: Carlo's Red Seal journey

Carlos Eduardo Chinque’s journey to become a Red Seal Millwright J.D. Irving, Limited’s Truro Sawmill began in Brazil.  

After 16 years working in the industrial sector, moving up from a toolmaker to a maintenance specialist, Carlos was looking for a new challenge, and better opportunities for his family. 

That challenge and opportunity presented itself as a chance to move to Canada and join the J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) Sawmill team. Hired as a production operator at Sproule Lumber in Truro, Nova Scotia, in 2023, Carlos, his wife and daughter and the family cat packed up their life in Brazil and embraced the challenge of a new life in Canada. 

When they arrived, Carlos already had his next goal in mind: obtain his Red Seal certification and become a licensed millwright in his new country. 

“I saw JDI not just as an employer, but as a gateway to a better future for my family,” Carlos said. 

Earning his Red Seal would require him to pass an exam in his second language. Carlos embraced this challenge as well. He describes the process as a marathon, studying more than 10,000 practice questions in his spare time, all while he and his family navigated adjusting to a new country, a new job, a new language and finding a home. 

The support of his family was fundamental to his passing his Red Seal exam, Carlos said, describing trips driving to Halifax with his family, his wife quizzing him along the way. 

‘Sometimes it felt overwhelming, but we had a clear plan,” he said. “We knew the opportunities existed here, but they wouldn’t just fall into our laps. We had to work for them. Looking back, those early days of uncertainty only made our achievements here even more meaningful.” 

There was also the support of colleagues at work. His production supervisor recognized his potential and upon learning that Carlos was studying for his Red Seal, introduced him to the mill’s maintenance manager. In summer 2025, Carlos joined the maintenance team as an apprentice, where he was surrounded by encouraging teammates. 

And when he passed his exam and achieved his Red Seal in early 2026, his colleagues gifted him a new welding mask. 

“I’m grateful for the trust my supervisors placed in me, especially when they gave me the chance to show my machining skills,” Carlos said. 

Now, three years later as a permanent resident and Red Seal Millwright, Carlos says he continues to enjoy the problem-solving aspect of his role and the teamwork. He takes pride in being the person his team can rely on for machining. 

He hopes his story will inspire others. 

“My main advice is: Don’t give up. In Brazil, we have a saying, ‘I am Brazilian and I never give up.’ I lived by that motto. Don’t listen to those who say it’s too difficult. Believe in yourself; follow your plan and do the hard work. Success is the result of persistence.”