Skilled trades are an integral part of our business. In the next three years (2017-2019) we’re forecasting hiring over 860 skilled trades workers across our operations. 

Our community colleges and universities are vital partners, providing skilled trades, engineering and technology graduates throughout our operations. Today we are the largest employer of apprentices in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and are proud to have over 1,500 grads of NBCC and over 450 grads of NSCC on our team.

Strong Partnerships, Strong Teams

We’re working hard to grow opportunities for under-represented groups in our workforce. Changing the face of Shipbuilding with Women Unlimited and Pathways to Education, and creating a more diverse workforce with the New Brunswick Association for Community Living. 

We partner with groups to help the next generation discover careers in trades and technology with SuperNova summer camps, the New Brunswick Teen Apprenticeship program, the WISE Atlantic Science Retreat for Girls and scholarships for the next generation.

Student tours, scholarships for our employees' children, co-ops and apprenticeships are just some of our initiatives to help enrich the learning of skilled trades students. 

To celebrate Skilled Trades and Technology Week, and encourage others to discover careers in technology and trades, we're profiling some of our team members with careers in the field:

Tech and Teams
“I work with innovative teams and focus on exciting projects. I can leverage technology and my expertise.” 
Farnaz Rostamain studied computer software engineering at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Jundi Shapur, and Human Resource Management at the University of New Brunswick. Now she's applying both skill sets as Workforce Management Coordinator for Kent Building Supplies. 

Continuous Improvement 
Charles Cyr studied Forestry at Université de Moncton. He has held a variety of roles in our Sawmill Division, with a strong focus on continuous improvement. "My job is very motivating. It's interesting to explore ways to make employees' lives easier with technology. The company has never hesitated to offer me education in process improvement. Since the start of my career, I've had training and courses that have allowed me to grow, including achieving my Six Sigma Black Belt."

A Hometown Job
James Jackson grew up in Wheatley, Ontario. Focused on becoming an Electrician, James attended St. Clair College. "Working in skilled trades has kept me in the small town I grew up in, and allowed me to raise my own family in a familiar setting." 

A Challenging Career 
Chris Currie started at Cavendish Farms ten years ago, applying his skills from Nova Scotia Community College as an Electrical Engineering Technologist. Five years in, Chris had the opportunity to advance his education, "Cavendish supported me in the Red Seal Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship program at Holland College." Chris says he'd recommend a career in the field, "working in the electrical technology field provides you with great working conditions and a challenging career."

Build Your Career, Build Homes
What does flooring installer Diane Nowlan find rewarding about working on the team at Kent Homes in her hometown of Bouctouche, New Brunswick? “I am part of team that builds more than houses. We are with customers every step of the journey to build a home that is unique for them. That's very rewarding. I take pride in the beautiful town of Bouctouche as a picturesque place to live."

Apply Your Skills. (And Apply!)
We have current job openings in trades, technology and more. Search by location or skill and discover your next career step: careers.jdirving.com.