While many of the employees of the former Congress Centre are returning to work at the new OCC, reporting for duty at 55 Colonel By Dr. will be a new experience for the majority of OCC colleagues.
OCC worked with a core group of 18 employees while the centre was closed during construction, and will support approximately 400 fulltime, part time and casual positions once operational in April.
Offsite orientation and training is underway in advance of the OCC taking possession of their new building on April 1st. “It is important that each OCC colleague is fully familiar and extremely competent in his or her new surroundings, and trained to meet exceptional OCC service standards, ” said OCC president, Pat Kelly. “Our staff will be fully trained in advance of moving day.”
In order to be ready for opening and the busy spring flight of business, OCC held a Career Fair in February. Over 1,500 applicants attended the two-day Fair and all positions were filled with well-qualified candidates. “It was clear from the turnout that the new OCC is viewed as a desirable employer.” said general manager Jennifer McCrary. “Now that the recruitment process is complete and our team is in place, we are focusing on orientation and training to ensure it is a fulfilling experience for our colleagues.”
Training will focus on the OCC’s new vision of service excellence, exemplified in a series of commitments shared by all OCC colleagues. “The new OCC will be as good as the service we deliver.” said president Pat Kelly. “That means empowering colleagues to make decisions and resolve issues without having to refer them to a supervisor. And that takes training – lots of training.”
A wide range of businesses – from accommodations and food and beverage to transportation, attractions and retail – rely on OCC and the broader Meeting and Convention sector. In fact, the 89 conventions confirmed at OCC as of March 2011 will support over 2,900 jobs (direct, indirect and induced).
The OCC, known as ‘Canada’s Meeting Place’, will open on schedule on April 13, 2011.
The Ottawa Convention Centre is an agency of the Province of Ontario.
