OCTEC employment service is working to change lives by providing job opportunities, education and training in local communities.

This government funded organisation is based on the simple principal of local people providing high quality services in their community.

Working from Bulahdelah Rural Transaction Centre one day per week, the service is assisting people who are facing barriers to finding sustainable employment in the local area.

OCTEC Career Consultant Stacey Harbutt said they work with their clients to identify strengths and any skills that can be transferred from previous employment.

“We approach local businesses to assist with suitable employment opportunities and the employers have access to a suite of financial services for taking on OCTEC clients,” she said.

“Finding employment gives people a sense of self-worth and also helps contribute to the community as money earned is spent within the community.”

Mrs Harbutt said OCTEC also assist with work-related clothing, workplace modifications and referrals to other services if needed.

Douglas Martin from Bulahdelah gained a TAFE qualification in Information Technology after leaving school, but had been unable to find suitable employment.

Douglas started his first job last week at the Rural Transaction Centre which had been organised with the assistance of OCTEC staff.

Douglas said he was excited to begin his working life.

“I’m very happy to be working and doing something useful,” he said.

“It will be good to use the computer skills I already have and develop new ones.”

OCTEC started in Orange in 1976 and has now expanded their services with many regional offices throughout NSW including Bulahdelah, Taree and Forster.

By Daniel SAHYOUN