OTT Program

Orientation to Trades and Technology (OTT) Program

OTT is a career development program to help women make informed decisions about technology and skilled trade careers

Our Career and Employment Specialists (CESs) recruit program participants, provide continuous support to those participants and oversee the delivery of the OTT program.


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Take the next step to career discovery!

Are you a woman or gender-diverse individual ready to explore career options and opportunities in the technology and trade sector? Then, WRDC's Orientation to Trades and Technology (OTT) 16-week program is for you!

OTT is a 16-week career development program funded by the provincial government. It is an opportunity to explore numerous technology and skilled trade programs and learn firsthand what it's like to pursue an education and career in these exciting sectors.

Who should apply?

You should apply if you are:

  • unemployed, underemployed, or working less than 20 hours a week
  • not in school or community college program*
  • a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • entitled to work in Canada

*If you are completing an Adult Basic Education program, you are encouraged to speak with a CES to explore your options.

What does OTT involve? What will I be doing for 16 weeks?

Career Exploration on Campus

Explore numerous technology and skilled trade programs, in a safe and supportive environment, at College of the North Atlantic campuses.

Programs vary by campus and may include:

  • Agriculture Technician
  • Auto Body and Collision Technician
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Cabinet Maker
  • Carpenter
  • Computer Systems & Networking
  • Heating Systems Technician
  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
  • Industrial & Residential Electrician
  • Industrial Millwright
  • Machinist
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mining Engineering Technician
  • Mobile Crane Operator
  • Non-destructive testing technician
  • Powerline Technician
  • Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Software Development
  • Welder
Safety Certifications

You will receive safety certifications in:

  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
  • Standard First Aid
  • Traffic Control Person I
  • Powerline Hazards
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Shop Fundamentals
Beyond the Campus

OTT takes you beyond the classroom to explore a variety of worksites and employers through workplace visits. This is an excellent opportunity to make valuable connections and expand your support network.

Job shadow Experience

Gain experience in an industry that matches your skills and interests through job shadowing. This is based on the availability of workplaces in your local area.

Enhanced Skills

Develop and enhance your essential skills and employment readiness. OTT covers a variety of academic topics, including fundamental math concepts, workplace-based math, and computer essentials.

Personal Development

Participation in individual and class activities can help with self-development.

Development areas include:

  • Exploring interests, values, skills, and personal qualities
  • Problem solving and decision making
  • Goal setting
  • Communication skills
  • Conflict resolution

After OTT

No matter what direction you take, our CESs are always here to support you! They can help you transition into training or employment and assist in career path development.

I would like to say I am very glad I’m here. The program is wonderful, the instructors are great, WRDC is great and the OTT family are really close. I’m glad I had this opportunity.

 - OTT Participant - 

Sign up today!

Contact the CES in your region to claim your spot.

OTT Program Location

Start Date

St. John's (Prince Phillip Drive)

2023

Stephenville

2023

Happy Valley-Goose Bay

2023

St. John's (Prince Phillip Drive)

2024

West Coast (TBD)

2024

Avalon
Lisa Roestenberg
T: 709-738-3545
E: lroestenberg@wrdc.ca

Central
Andrea Walsh
T: 709-466-2750
E: awalsh@wrdc.ca

Western
Bobbi-Jo Mauger
T: 709-643-3160
E: bmauger@wrdc.ca

Labrador
Judy Voisey
T: 709-896-8076
E: jvoisey@wrdc.ca

Get in Touch

Please fill out the form below to contact us.

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