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Okanagan College is pleased to announce that Caitlin Hartigan, a former B.C. resident and an experienced and passionate leader in the skilled trades sector, has been named the new Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at �黨��ý

Originally from Vancouver Island, Hartigan joins Okanagan College from her current position as the Director of Programming & Client Operations at Women Building Futures in Edmonton. Prior to that she was the Dean of Skilled Trades at Northwestern Polytechnic and the Dean of Trades & Heavy Industrial at Keyano College.

"I’m truly excited and grateful to join Okanagan College as the Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to a field I’m deeply passionate about—supporting students, empowering instructors, and strengthening the trades that build our communities. I look forward to working alongside a dedicated team to help shape the future of skilled trades education," said Hartigan.

Hartigan brings an extensive background working within the skilled trades to �黨��ýand will join a dedicated and skilled team in the �黨��ýTrades and Apprenticeship department, the largest trades training facility outside of the Lower Mainland. Her education includes a Master of Business Administration from Vancouver Island University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Northern B.C.

“We are incredibly excited to bring someone with Caitlin’s extensive background and expertise to lead our team forward,” said �黨��ýProvost and Vice-President Academic Sam Lenci. “We have incredibly skilled instructors and employees within our Trades and Apprenticeship department that are doing great work. Caitlin’s experience as a leader within the skilled trades sector will be a great addition to the team.”

Okanagan College offers more than 20 different trades programs with students being taught by industry-leading instructors and gaining hands-on experience and connection to local industry and careers. The College also has programs to increase access for women who want to get into the trades as well as dedicated spaces for other equity deserving groups.

�黨��ýannounced its new Women in ACTION Project to support women apprentices earlier this year and has hosted three Jill of All Trades events in the past two years, introducing high school girls to careers in the skilled trades. The next Jill of All Trades event is set for the Kelowna campus in May 2026.

Okanagan College has also added two new Associate Deans to its program areas this summer. Steven Crema has joined the Science and Technology department as an Associate Dean while the �黨��ýSchool of business has added Dr. Agnes Weighill as a new Associate Dean.