History
Oromocto Training & Employment Centre (OTEC) first began as Oromocto Sheltered Workshop (OSW). In the year 1978 a Burton resident (Muriel Poole) approached Social Services requesting assistance to start a dayprogram for Adults with an intellectual disability. A contract with Base Gagetown was initiated and a PMQ on Enniskillen Dr. was provided for the program to begin.
This greatly desired program originally serviced 6 women with an intellectual disability. Social and Life Skills were the main focus of the program as well as various community outtings.
In 1979, theProvincial Department of Social Services decided the potential for this newly developed service was indeed growing, and more funding was provided. With the increased funding an Executive Director and an additional staff were hired.
More and more Individuals with various disabilities were requesting service from OSW and from there the inhouse programs expanded. Ceramics, crafting, furniture re finishing and needlepoint were hosted. Some individuals also participated in academic tutoring sessions for subjects like literacy and math.
By 1981, OSW had expanded its services to reach out lying communities. While assessing each individual’s abilities for the workplace, OSW recognized the need for program participants to engage in enhanced work and life skills training to prepare them for the workforce and for independent living. Due to transportation issues of many adults, OSW liaised with outside Employer agencies to setup many paid work projects inside the building.
In 1982, OSW changed its name to OTEC, now Incorporated, while adopting a new goal toward moving paid work outside the building. OTEC had grown immensely, as had Oromocto`s business community, which prompted OTEC to embrace job opportunities in and around Oromocto.
Timeline of Milestones:
1982 – OSW changes its name to Oromocto Training & Employment Centre (OTEC), and becomes Incorporated.
2006 – OTEC moved its operation from Base Gagetown property to an area which reflects the many services OTEC provides the community. (285 Restigouche Rd.)
2007 – OTEC received its first Federal Grant monies in the amount of $5,000.00 towards the purchasing an Agency van, which now transports over 90% of program participants to/from work and often from home, also.
2007- OTEC hires its first Program Manager.
2007 – OTEC hires its first Community Placement Coordinator.
2011 – OTEC moved locations, downstairs (front) to upstairs (back) of 285 Restigouche Rd.
2011 – OTEC implements its first voice-mail activated phone system with phone extensions to helps reduce interruptions of support workers.
2011 – OTEC hosts its first Staff Appreciation Day to recognize staff for their dedication and hard work.
2011 – OTEC hosts service awards ceremony for employees of 1+, 5+, 10+ and 15+ years of service.
2012 – OTEC launches its first website
2013 – OTEC purchases a second van for transporting participants to and from home and work
2014 – OTEC now has upwards of 20 staff members on it’s payroll, and serves more than 50 clients
2015 – OTEC moves into a newly renovated facility at 286 Restigouche Road in Oromocto
2015 – OTEC has a lift installed in one transportation van to accommodate physical needs
2016 – Sensory Room up and running since February 2016
2017 – OTEC offers monthly fundraising breakfasts to the community.
