Learning & Â黨´«Ă˝
Explore study options at College info sessions
May 9, 2022
Labour markets ebb and flow, but education will always serve you. B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook indicates that, of the one million expected job openings between 2021-2031, approximately 77 per cent will require some level of post-secondary education or training. That’s why Okanagan College is hosting a series of information sessions this month, to encourage those who might be considering post-secondary education to explore their options now. “People of all ages are considering their options for a post-COVID world, and increasing...
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Â黨´«Ă˝student to attend prestigious astroparticle physics summer school
May 5, 2022
The sky is the limit for Okanagan College physics student Divyesh Dagia, who is set to attend the Canadian Astroparticle Physics Summer School (CAPSS) this May. The intensive week-long session is designed for astronomy, physics and engineering undergraduates and will introduce them to the current topics in the field of astroparticle physics at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., and virtually at SNOLAB. Only 20 students from across Canada are invited to attend the session each year. Dagia, who will complete an Associate of Scien...
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A tale of three plumbers: a career path for all generations
April 13, 2022
Plumbing and Piping Foundation program coming to OC’s Salmon Arm campus A trio of plumbers at Aspire Plumbing and Heating may have different years under their belts, but their passion for the career holds strong with each generation. Dallas Stewart, Gary Whitlock, and Allen Minderlein are all at various stages of their careers but have all relied on post-secondary training at some point to advance their careers in the plumbing industry. Stewart, the youngest at 23, has just finished the Plumbing and Piping Foundation program at...
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Â黨´«Ă˝student to compete in Skills Provincials competition
April 11, 2022
You can't put a price on mentorship. That's what Joey Bruno is finding, now in his third year of Auto Body and Collision Technician training at Okanagan College, and preparing to face the B.C.’s best apprentices at Skills Provincials this month. He was initially inspired by his father to pursue collision repair after growing up in the automotive world. “My father was in the industry for 30 years, and I have always been around vehicles. The older I got, the more love I had for automotive,” Bruno says. The Mission resident start...
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OC’s Audio Engineering and Music Production students perform first live concert in two years
April 4, 2022
For the first time in two years, Okanagan College’s Audio Engineering and Music Production (AEMP) Certificate students will perform on stage to a live audience. “The students have put in tremendous effort into shaping their skills for all areas in audio. The event will showcase the individual talent each student brings, while they work as a team to create a full production of live sound,” says Chaianne Ellis, Audio Engineering and Music Production teaching assistant. “Throughout the year, getting to watch the students uncove...
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EnactusÂ黨´«Ă˝heading to nationals after dominating in multiple categories
March 18, 2022
Enactus Okanagan College students have their sights set on nationals, after making the podium in four competitions at the Enactus Regional Exposition – including three first-place finishes. They performed so well, that EnactusÂ黨´«Ă˝was recognized with an Excellence in Innovation Award, provided when students demonstrate their commitment to tackling some of Canada’s biggest challenges. “We have come a long way this year,” explains Danielle Walker, EnactusÂ黨´«Ă˝President. “Our team has tripled in size, we have scaled and rebranded project...
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Student becomes the master at Â黨´«Ă˝Student Chef Dinner Series
March 17, 2022
Okanagan College’s Culinary Arts program served up a tasty opportunity for students to bring their culinary learnings to the table alongside an experienced Â黨´«Ă˝alumnus on Friday. The College’s restaurant, Infusions, hosted guests for a meal that was part of the Student Chef Dinner Series, which gives students an opportunity to showcase their skills and the very best of Okanagan region cuisine while working with experienced chefs. Chef Chris Van Hooydonk of Backyard Farm’s Chef Table in Oliver, B.C., returned to the Â黨´«Ă˝kitchen for t...
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Â黨´«Ă˝students place first with their vision to revitalize Royal B.C. Museum exhibits
March 15, 2022
Okanagan College business students came out on top with their unique vision of how to reinvigorate the Royal B.C. Museum. The Royal Roads Design Thinking Challenge welcomed teams from across Canada and the United States to compete in a case competition based on the concept of revitalizing exhibits and displays at the Royal B.C. Museum with the use of design thinking principles. Business students Vasu Singla, Rebecca Thede, Kenneth Dolera and Chantelle Gaberel represented the College and worked with their coaches, Pamela Nelson and...
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Okanagan College earns back-to-back gold medals at national business case competition
March 8, 2022
For the first time in the 17-year history of the Scotiabank National Case Competition, a business school has recorded back-to-back gold medals as Okanagan College climbed to the top of the podium – again – on Saturday. Hosted by Vanier College in Montréal, the “real time” case competition attracts teams from across Canada looking to test their knowledge and skills. “I am honoured to have shown to Canada that our business school has a unique approach to learning. The dedication of our coaches helped us think better, collaborate and...
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Â黨´«Ă˝Trades General Interest courses come to Penticton
March 2, 2022
What do hammers, bicycles and lawnmowers have in common? They are all topics in the new Trades General Interest programs launching at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus this month. The courses provide community members with the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in state-of-the-art trades shops with qualified instructors. The courses are scheduled in the evening and on weekends. Courses are also available for children in the evening and during summer camps. Participants will gain knowledge in various trades, build projects and l...
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Okanagan College to graduate hundreds of new Health Care Assistants through innovative provincial program
February 24, 2022
When 29-year-old Shanise Scherk graduates this month as a Health Care Assistant (HCA), she is excited to start caring for seniors and other clients living in their homes. While working full time since high school, Scherk had always dreamed of having a career in health care. So, when she learned about a new Okanagan College program that offered paid training and work experience to become an HCA, she jumped at the chance to follow that dream. “It was such an incredible opportunity to receive an education and get hired right away,” s...
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The heart of Okanagan College’s Culinary Arts program reopens on Valentine’s Day
February 9, 2022
Okanagan College’s on-campus restaurant, Infusions, is gearing up to reopen for in-person dining after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. Culinary and Pastry Arts students are excited to welcome back fellow students, staff and the community to enjoy their culinary creations beginning on Feb. 14. “I’m looking forward to having the community experience the food that we have been learning to create over the last four months,” said Culinary Arts student Chase Holman. “There’s nothing like seeing someone’s reaction when th...
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Enactus Â黨´«Ă˝awarded new funding to cultivate student entrepreneurs
February 1, 2022
Enactus Okanagan College has received their largest grant to date, enabling the volunteer team to launch and expand more student-led projects that create community and environmental impact. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is investing in Enactus social entrepreneurs with a $25,000 grant. Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC, says her organization’s mission is to support economic development projects that will have long-lasting and measurable benefits in the region. “We are excited to see how this grant helps Enac...
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Â黨´«Ă˝supports Gitxaala Nation with vital trades training for economic and cultural growth
January 24, 2022
In one northern village, Indigenous cultural needs and massive construction projects combined to create demand for specialized Okanagan College Trades training to support community members. Located on the north coast of British Columbia, the Gitxaala Nation’s main community is in Kitkatla. It identified the need for skilled trades people several years ago, as projects such as the LNG Canada in Kitimat and port expansion in Prince Rupert were announced. But it was a smaller project closer to home that inspired Gitxaala Nation to em...
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ECE department celebrates National Child Day
November 19, 2021
Education is a powerful tool to advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves, which was why Early Childhood Education (ECE) students spent National Child Day talking to peers about the difficulties children face in Canada and around the world. National Child Day is officially observed on Nov. 20, but ECE Instructor Rebecca Ayotte said she and her students wanted to do something this week to bring awareness not just in the ECE department, but throughout the College as well. The class set up presentations in the CFL Atrium in...
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International Education Week highlights diversity at Okanagan College
November 19, 2021
Okanagan College translated its diverse student population into a learning opportunity during International Education Week (IEW) as students and staff celebrated cultures and encouraged each other to experience what other countries had to offer. On Tuesday, Nov. 16, the Kelowna campus held language lessons at the Centre for Learning atrium, where student volunteers set up booths that others can visit to learn a bit more about various languages and cultures. Languages represented included Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Japanese, Chi...
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