More than Just Work Experience

J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a proud supporter of co-op education students. To better understand the opportunities available, we feel it is important for our co-op students to get a first-hand view of our diverse operations.

Most recently, 32 of our Saint John, fall co-op students had the opportunity to tour two of our operations.

Students began their day at our head office at 300 Union Street. From there, they traveled by bus to Lake Utopia Paper in St. George, New Brunswick for the morning portion of the tour. 

Kristen Adams is a Process Engineering student at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), currently working as a Chemical Engineering co-op student with Irving Paper.  

“It was great to see a different side of the paper industry than I have. I was able to see the opportunities I have in my future,” said Kristen.

Chad Carter is also a student from Memorial University of Newfoundland, currently working as a Naval Architect co-op student with Atlantic Towing and was also intrigued by the other businesses in the organization.

“Being from the marine industry, I got to see the other side of JDI’s business, which will be beneficial for future positions. It allowed me to see where I could go in after graduation,” said Chad. 

The final tour began after lunch at Atlantic Wallboard in Saint John, NB. The students were very interested in Atlantic Wallboard’s operations.

“I’m lucky to be able to see a lot of JDI’s operations through my role here on the Communications team. However, I’ve never been to Atlantic Wallboard. I think it’s great that we are exposed to all the opportunities that are available to us throughout JDI. It’s more than just work experience – it’s a continuous learning experience,”  said Emily Hynes, Public Relations Student.

The students have also been connecting through their online social group. The company also supports students getting together outside the work day.  They have gotten together for a number of potluck lunches and a recent event at Saint John’s Urban Deli. The next event is scheduled later this month.

JDI welcomes over 600 students to its operations every year. Between 2016 and 2018, we are forecasted to hire almost 7,900 new team members!

Interested in a career with JDI? Check out our careers page.