NEW LIMERICK, Maine — Houlton Middle-High School students in the JMG program toured the Louisiana-Pacific wood plant May 14 as part of the school’s effort to expose students to the workplace.
“Part of our curriculum is helping students become exposed to workplaces in our area and learning about career paths,” explained Houlton JMG instructor Dee Butler. “Our tour at LP helped them learn about the many different careers/jobs that there are at the plant and also helped the students see that you can take many paths to get to the career you want.
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- Houlton Middle-High School students toured the Louisiana Pacific May 14. (contributed photo/Houlton Middle-High School)
“They also witnessed the pride that these employees have over their product and the desire to make the best quality product available,” said Butler.
Several of the students were impressed by the company.
“They treated me the same as the other students even though I’m a woman,” said Brittany Fitzpatrick. “It is reassuring knowing I would be treated as an equal working in a male-dominated field.”
“I didn’t realize how many different job opportunities there were at LP and it was good to know that they encouraged educational growth from their own employees,” added Will Belyea. “They provide training for employees that want to grow with the company.”
Ryan Bushey, human resources and safety manager for LP, said the plant was pleased to introduce students to job opportunities right in their own backyard.
“We appreciate the relationship we have with the Houlton JMG program,” he said. “These students are the future workforce of our community and it’s our duty to expose them to opportunities and education that will assist them in their career development.”
