Horticulture pilot project providing new skills to Okanagan farm workers
November 27, 2023
Semi-retired and looking for a new challenge, South Okanagan resident Bob Atkinson turned to farming five years ago and now counts hundreds of nectarine, peach and cherry trees on his orchard at Debeck Farms. Atkinson was among close to 20 Okanagan farm workers and owners that were the first to complete the Horticulture Upskill Program at Okanagan College, a pilot program designed to provide expanded skills and tangible learning to agricultural workers employed by the tree fruit and wine grape industries. “There was a wealth...
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Mural at Okanagan College honours residential school survivors
November 24, 2023
A large mural that honours residential school survivors has been unveiled at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus, designed and painted by Syilx artist Sheldon Pierre Louis. Titled suʔkncut’s prayers, the acrylic latex mural measures 10 feet tall by 21 feet wide and raises awareness about the legacy and impacts of the residential school system. The mural was officially unveiled Nov. 24 with a special ceremony at OC’s Kelowna campus. “The mural signifies Okanagan College’s lasting commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation at o...
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Â黨´«Ã½Cultivates event fosters local food, wine and tourism businesses
November 21, 2023
New event series kick-off hosts panel of local experts, facilitated by CBC’s Sarah Penton.You’ve heard of the iconic Okanagan Champagne powder or our four-season playgrounds, but did you know the Okanagan is also leading the way in innovation in food and beverage and tourism?A new Okanagan College event series, Â黨´«Ã½Cultivates, aims to celebrate and explore Okanagan’s unique and exciting food, beverage and tourism industries with a kick-off event featuring local experts and a panel discussion hosted by CBC Radio West host, Sarah Pento...
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Â黨´«Ã½international alum empowering women in technology
November 16, 2023
Okanagan College alum Fernanda Alves is using her education to foster diversity in the tech industry. A former Â黨´«Ã½international student from Brazil and alum of the Computer Information System Diploma, Alves was the organizer of the 2023 Women in Technology Panel which brought together women from diverse fields and positions to share their experiences navigating the tech industry. Fernanda received recognition at the President's Reception for Student Ambassadors. “Organizing the Women in Tech Panel was one o...
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New ECE offerings at Okanagan College responding to workforce demands
November 8, 2023
Working as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) assistant for the past 20 years has provided Penticton’s Karen Block with a rewarding career helping children learn, grow and play. Block took the opportunity to enhance her career and learn additional skills through the new ECE Certificate program at Â黨´«Ã½ The program offers students flexibility to attend classes and upskill, while continuing to work in their field. “Because my classes are offered in a hybrid format, it has been possible for me to continue working du...
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City of Kelowna supports Â黨´«Ã½trades programs through garbage truck donation
November 1, 2023
One person’s trash certainly can be another’s treasure. The City of Kelowna proved the old saying true by donating a garbage truck to Okanagan College’s Trades and Apprenticeship program this September. “When we determined that this garbage truck was at the end of its service life, we were happy to donate it as a hands-on training tool for Okanagan College students,†said Scott Hoekstra, Manager, Landfill & Composing Operations, City of Kelowna. “We’re facing a shortage of skilled trades professionals, and we know that this do...
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Okanagan College marks 60 years of alumni and employee success
November 1, 2023
Sixty years is worth celebrating – that’s what brought out over 100 alumni, staff and Okanagan College supporters last month, as Â黨´«Ã½marked its 60th anniversary and the impact of tens of thousands of graduates since post-secondary came to the region. The College’s story began in 1963, when the B.C. Vocational Institute was first established. Since that time more than 60,000 graduates have passed through OC’s campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton and Kelowna, and sites in Revelstoke and Oliver. OC’s alumni have made h...
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Westbank First Nation and Okanagan College sign updated MOU
October 30, 2023
Okanagan College and Westbank First Nation (WFN) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding continuing a long partnership which aims to strengthen the recruitment, mentorship and retention of Syilx learners at Â黨´«Ã½ The MOU lays out the objectives and principles of a partnership that will help guide the College to embrace the spirit and intent of reconciliation and ensure culturally appropriate, meaningful, and quality education and skills training opportunities for WFN learners. Chief Robert Louie, West...
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THRIVE HERE campaign kicks off with record-level support
October 25, 2023
Okanagan College Foundation launches campaign to build a new Recreation and Wellness Centre at its Kelowna campus; Folk family makes record-setting gift KELOWNA - It’s ‘Game Day’ at Okanagan College! Today, Â黨´«Ã½students, donors, leaders, staff and community members came together to celebrate the launch of the Thrive Here campaign to build a new Recreation and Wellness Centre on the Kelowna campus. Making the announcement to the approximately 100 people in attendance, including members from the Â黨´«Ã½Coyotes basketball and baseball tea...
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Dr. Samantha Lenci appointed Okanagan College Provost and Vice President, Academic
October 25, 2023
Dr. Samantha Lenci, a well-respected leader with experience working across multiple post-secondary institutions in Western Canada, has been named the new provost and vice president academic at Okanagan College, effective Dec. 1, 2023. “Dr. Lenci is an outstanding leader and team builder who brings expertise in program design, development and implementation, as well as an understanding of the transformative power of post-secondary education in communities,†said Dr. Neil Fassina, Â黨´«Ã½president. “Most importantly, in addition to...
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