J.D. Irving’s pulp and paper division has awarded two scholarships aimed at developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals, reinforcing the industry’s continued investment in workforce development and technical education.

This year’s recipients, Seth Armstrong and Izuagie Michael Eshilama, will begin the Process Control Technology program at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) this fall.

The scholarships cover full tuition, textbooks and guaranteed work placements within J.D. Irving’s pulp and paper operations, providing students with both academic training and practical mill experience.

Combining Education With Industry Experience

The scholarship program is designed to address growing demand for skilled technical professionals by combining classroom learning with structured work terms inside modern pulp and paper manufacturing facilities.

Students gain experience working alongside mill operators, maintenance teams and technical specialists while applying knowledge developed through their college studies.

According to J.D. Irving, the program aims to prepare graduates for long-term careers in high-demand industrial roles.

Supporting Careers in Process Control

Both scholarship recipients will study Process Control Technology, a discipline that plays an increasingly important role in modern pulp and paper manufacturing.

Process control professionals are responsible for monitoring, optimizing and maintaining automated production systems that help mills improve product quality, operational efficiency and process reliability.

As paper mills continue expanding digitalization and automation, demand for workers with process control expertise continues to grow across the forest products industry.

Investment in Skilled Trades

Chris Clark, Vice President of J.D. Irving’s pulp and paper division, said skilled trades professionals are essential to daily mill operations.

According to Clark, these employees help maintain safe and efficient production by operating equipment, maintaining industrial systems and solving complex operational challenges.

The company hopes the scholarship program will encourage more students to pursue careers in manufacturing and industrial technology.

Workforce Development Remains an Industry Priority

Like many manufacturers across the pulp and paper sector, J.D. Irving continues to invest in education partnerships as companies prepare for future workforce needs.

Scholarship programs, apprenticeships and technical training initiatives are becoming increasingly important as mills seek to attract younger workers into engineering, maintenance and production careers.

For the pulp and paper industry, workforce development remains a strategic priority as manufacturers continue investing in automation, advanced manufacturing technologies and long-term operational reliability. Programs that combine technical education with hands-on mill experience help build the skilled workforce needed to support future industry growth.

Last Updated on 03/08/2026 by Jota Machinery