MASARDIS, Maine — Maibec Lumber, looking for new ways to find skilled employees, is cultivating the “grow your own” approach.
The sawmill, located just south of Ashland on Route 11, has awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Reggie Berry, a new graduate of Ashland District School. Berry will major as an industrial electrician and has agreed to work for Maibec for at least five years following his graduation from Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle.
“We recently have advertised for electricians and millwrights, as have many of the production facilities in Aroostook County, and the skilled workforce is just not there,” said Ben Lothrop, human resources manager at the mill.
“The investment in the future of this young man guarantees us a skilled electrician in about two years. From a business standpoint, it will be money well spent.”
Lothrop said Berry spent his senior year of high school interning at the mill and will continue to work during college vacations. After his first two semesters, he will begin working with the mill’s current electricians, and be prepared to take on a full-time role in May of 2020.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Lothrop said. “For Reggie, it’s a tuition-free education with no debt. For us, it will fill an important role here at the mill. And it’s one of our bright young adults that will be staying in Aroostook County, hopefully for a long time.”
Joel Hall, principal at Ashland District School, is thrilled about the opportunity this collaboration has provided for his students.
“All of this started with a combined outreach by Maibec and Ashland District School. Both entities had resources that the other needed,” Hall explained.
“The school had students willing to learn and needed work experience; Maibec had the job availability and needed young people to fill those jobs and potentially come to work for them after graduation. This was a win for all parties, Maibec, Ashland District School and our communities’ students,” Hall said.
Hall said he is excited that Berry has the opportunity to go to school to learn a valuable trade and has guaranteed work during vacations, summers and when he graduates.
“I am interested to see if other opportunities for our students can be created in this fashion with local business in the Route 11 corridor.” Hall said. “Thank you to Maibec for being willing to collaborate and open this door, create this model and invest in our students.”
Berry is the son of Brandy Eastman and Reginald Berry III of Ashland.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Berry said. “It’s a great chance for me to go to school, and then work, right here in Aroostook County.
