OCNews

When Gurleen Gang left Nairobi, Kenya, for Canada a decade ago, he had a dream of becoming a civil engineer. What he didn’t know then was that his journey would lead him to become Canada’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year, recognized nationally by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies.   

Gang credits the hands-on, industry-focused training he received at Okanagan College (OC) for playing a key role in his success.

“When I compared my options, I realized the Civil Engineering Technology diploma program at OC offered the practical education I needed,” says Gang. “The courses were very hands-on and very real. That grounding in the field prepared me for everything that came next.”  

“Okanagan College is working hard to provide learners with relevant skills, so they are ready to step into the workforce,” says OC Provost and Vice President Academic Samantha Lenci. "We know there is a shortage of skilled workers in our region, and we provide programs that meet the needs of the industries that we rely on here in the Okanagan and Shuswap." 

Gang originally enrolled in university-transfer studies in Vancouver but chose to move to Kelowna and continue his education at OC, where programs are tied to industry needs with instructors who teach current techniques and work integrated learning opportunities.  

The adjustment wasn’t always easy. As the only international student in his program, Gang had to quickly adapt to a new culture, community and new academic environment. A local host family, who he is still connected to, and campus involvement in intramural sports and other activities helped him build connections and confidence.  

While pursuing his education and training at OC, Gang applied widely for co-op roles. An eight-month placement with the City of Parksville led to a full-time engineering technologist position after graduation. That early experience gave him a strong foundation in project work, communication, and real-world problem-solving.  

With growing career opportunities in various engineering technology-based roles in B.C. over the next decade, the engineering technology programs at OC are designed to help students and industry alike, supporting an industry that needs skilled workers and features well-paying careers for grads. 

With academic credits from both Columbia College and OC, Gang bridged directly into third year of UBC Okanagan’s Civil Engineering degree, graduating in 2017. He entered university with a powerful advantage.  

“I understood things in a much more practical way than students who only had the theoretical background,” he says. “If I had to do it again, I would still start with the tech diploma.”  

Today, Gang continues to work in civil engineering in British Columbia, involved in municipal and Indigenous infrastructure projects and mentoring engineers and technologists as he did earlier in his own career. And as a leader responsible for hiring, he encourages students to consider the same route.  

“Technologists are extremely valuable in the industry,” says Gang. “Hands-on training makes you better prepared, and often more employable, from day one.”  

Gang’s leadership and extensive community involvement, supporting youth with special needs, mentoring students, volunteering with seniors, and contributing to Engineers Without Borders, first earned him the Young Professional Award for British Columbia earlier this year. That recognition advanced him to the national level, where he was named Canada’s Young Professional of the Year in the October.  

Looking ahead, Gang hopes to continue mentoring and to support infrastructure needs in First Nations communities and in Kenya.  

To learn more about programs within OC’s technologies portfolio, visit https://www.okanagancollege.ca/technologies