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ABOUT US
Background 
For most water utilities or municipalities, the opportunities for quality and current water operator related training are few and far between. With the increased spotlight on water quality over the last few years and the subsequent changes to regulatory requirements, we are all faced with even greater challenges when attempting to satisfy our individual training needs. Given the current shortcoming of available training opportunities, this challenge has been overwhelming. New regulations require that water operators not only get more training, but more relative training with an eye towards consistency, currency, thoroughness and competency. Alternatives and/or facilities for "hands-on" training had been relatively non-existent in Ontario since the closing of the Ministry-run Brampton centre - that is, until the creation of O.W.O.T.C.  Operating since September 2002, The Ontario Water Operators Training Centre (O.W.O.T.C.) has been responding to this shortage crisis through the development and operation of fully equipped, hands-on, state-of-the-art, training centres for water and wastewater operators in both Windsor, and now, Hamilton, Ontario. The Facilities 
Each of the two O.W.O.T.C. training centres include over two thousand square feet of shop space allocated to the hands-on application of training with a completely functional distribution system, including all the customary distribution components. The installation of system components such as hydrants, valves, curb boxes, flushing and sampling stations provide for excellent above/below grade "live" demonstrations and simulations. Students can in fact get wet working under "closest-to-real" pressurized situations. In addition to the functional training, each facility is equipped with appropriate dedicated classroom space outfitted with the latest presentation technology for the supportive theory-oriented training. The O.W.O.T.C. is continually exploring opportunities to establish additional facilities to provide greater access to its well-received training programs and concept.  The Windsor training centre lies adjacent to the Windsor Utilities Commission's Albert H. Weeks water treatment centre. This facility is described by many as one of the province's best production plants using the latest, leading edge ozone technology in water treatment. This provides an invaluable opportunity for those water operators seeking water treatment related training. We are also fortunate in that we are in close proximity to one of Ontario's leading water laboratories, which is easily accessed through several of our courses. The Hamilton centre is temporarily located at the Hamilton Woodward Avenue Water & Wastewater yard. Hamilton's aggressive pursuit of water excellence has been second to none. Included among their current development initiatives are the construction of the new cogeneration facility, the initiation of the water treatment facility structural and architectural upgrades and multi-million dollar facility expansions including the completion of construction of what is expected to be Canada's largest and most capable accredited water laboratory. The site is also home to the historic Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology that provides an amazing display of old pump house technology. We look forward to working with Hamilton on the development and construction of their permanent building. The ability to access these high-tech facilities is invaluable to hands-on learning. Courses/Calendars/Curriculum To say that the O.W.O.T.C. simply offers courses in Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Wastewater, Safety, Metering, Management & Regulatory would be an understatement. We have the ability and flexibility to develop or customize nearly anything to fit your specific municipal needs. With the exception of prep-courses for certification exams, courses have been designed as 1, 2 or 3-day programs to minimize the absence of the operator and its subsequent impact. In addition to our typical training centre programs we are currently developing very water-oriented distance learning programs. These Web-accessed programs will be the most comprehensive programs available. Simple Training Economics While other training providers have undoubtedly demonstrated their competency, what sets us apart is our ongoing pursuit of providing true hands-on training opportunities. While all training requires a component of theoretical content, we strive to identify opportunities to incorporate demonstrative applications.
Essentially, with training costs being a burden on many municipalities, we believe that you deserve to get a 70% return on your training dollar rather than a mere 25%. Staff Commitment/Customer Service Both the management and training centre staff are fully committed to the provision of exemplary service to its customers and it continues to be our desire to develop and foster positive relations with each of our municipal customers, associated vendors and regulatory agencies. We treat all participants with respect and appreciate the opportunity that they have provided us. We make every effort to ensure that their attending experience is of the utmost value. Service to our participants does not end at the completion of the training session, and our staff & instructors are always available to answer questions or provide additional resources as needs arise. Continuous Improvement In today's world of increasing customer expectations the O.W.O.T.C. cannot afford to "rest on its laurels." We continually strive to improve upon our processes, quality of programs, facilities and levels of customer service. Upon completion of each course, participants are asked to anonymously complete a course evaluation form providing valuable feedback on such things as relevancy of material, quality of instruction, the facility and customer service. Every evaluation is reviewed by the Manager to ensure that our high standard is maintained. Any recommendations for improvements are considered to the fullest. Summary We have the demonstrated ability to provide both technical and academic instruction to water operators by making available complete "needs-focused" coordinated training programs. We invite operators to further view our website to learn more about the O.W.O.T.C., register, and then... ...come for the "experience!" |
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