Features Sawmilling
J.D. Irving sponsors national skills competition

April 21, 2016 - The J.D. Irving group of companies has signed on as a premier sponsor of the 2016 Skills Canada National Competition to be held in Moncton, N.B., on June 5-8. This event is Canada's only national, multi-trade and technology event for skilled trade and technology students and apprentices.

J.D. Irving companies will be providing lumber and hardware tools and accessories for numerous competition areas at SCNC through Kent Building Supplies. They will also provide shipping services within the province from various colleges to the competition through Midland transport at no charge.

“The contribution by the J.D. Irving group of companies is going to greatly assist us in having a successful Skills Canada National Competition. This event is a great opportunity for industry partners to meet the youth that will be tomorrow's workforce and inform them of the many career opportunities that will be available to them," says Shaun Thorson, CEO, Skills/Compétences Canada.

From June 5-8, industry, government, labour representatives, educators and youth will gather in Moncton, where more than 550 secondary and post-secondary students will compete in more than 40 skilled trade and technology contests. It is an important event that attracts young career-seekers, and helps showcase the many opportunities available in the skilled trade and technology sectors.

“J.D. Irving Ltd. is proud to sponsor the Skills/Compétences Canada 2016 National Competition. We value the significant contributions of our skilled trades and technical employees. They help keep our operations running smoothly every day," said Robert K. Irving, co-chief executive officer of J.D. Irving. “Showcasing the variety of skilled trades to our young people is critical to ensure the continued development of our workforce.”

Headquartered in New Brunswick, J.D. Irving has operations in Canada and the United States, with business units in agriculture, construction and equipment, consumer products, food, forestry and forestry products, shipbuilding and industrial fabrication, transportation and logistics.

April 21, 2016  By Cindy Macdonald/Pulp & Paper Canada