OBT Launches New Website

Connecting the Disconnected: OBT Launches New Website Designed to Market Job Seekers

On November 15th Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT), one of New York City’s leading employment and training organizations, launched its new interactive website. The new site sets the bar for job training organizations by using “virtual interviews” to market disconnected young adults who have recently completed OBT’s rigorous job training program to employers.

The employers–only portion of the new website includes trainee’s resumes, basic skills, and qualifications alongside the three-minute “virtual interviews.” This approach is the first of its kind and gives employers a full snap-shot of the young adults OBT trains. “This new website is going to help employers across New York City streamline the lengthy and sometimes arduous interview process,” said Mary Quinones from Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn.

The website is also expected to attract young adults by providing a portal to OBT’s recently launched MySpace page. “The MySpace page, although still in its infancy, is proving to be one of the most effective ways to communicate with our trainees, most of whom are disconnected youth from all over Brooklyn,” said Shauna Wheatt, an OBT corporate recruiter.

OBT’s new website also provides guests an opportunity to explore and learn about the different programs the organization offers including: business skills job training and GED classes for young adults, an internship program for youth, ESOL and literacy classes for adults, and employment services. OBT, which was founded in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn in 1983, now has a second full-service training center in Bushwick and a satellite employment office in Red Hook.

“This new website provides a great representation of all the good work we do each day, helping people to realize their own potential through education, job training, and employment,” said Randolph Peers, OBT’s executive director. “Whether you are a person looking for assistance, an OBT alumni looking to reconnect, a business owner looking to hire employees, or a person looking to support a great non-profit organization, our website provides it all.”

The official site was presented at a special event that took place at Stage 6 @ Steiner Studios, Brooklyn’s state of the art film production studio. Among the many guests that attended were OBT alumni, supporters, employers, community leaders and elected officials. The site itself was designed by Lost in Brooklyn Studio, a Brooklyn-based graphic design firm headed by Greenwood Heights residents, Aaron Brashear and Mic Holwin.

The appropriateness of hosting the event at Stage 6 was not lost on several guests who mentioned the connection between the virtual interviews and film production. “OBT is clearly a pioneer in using technology to help carry out its mission,” remarked one guest.

To view OBT’s new website visit www.obtjobs.org. To contact Lost in Brooklyn Studio, go to www.lostinbrooklyn.com.