OCNews

A collaboration among Okanagan College (OC) students, instructors and local industry could be described as a “bright light” for the sector. 

The OC-led partnership creates new hands-on learning opportunities for people preparing to work in the renewable energy sector, including preparing them with the advanced skills and knowledge to install solar systems. 

Three students completing the College’s 30-week Carpenter Foundation program worked with their instructor to build an eight-by-12-foot mock roof capable of supporting four solar panels. 
The new structure complements an asphalt-shingle mock roof built last year. Together, the two structures allow solar students to practice precision installation methods on both metal and asphalt-shingle roofing — surfaces they are likely to encounter on residential and commercial job sites.

Hometown Roofing Ltd. of Penticton contributed more than $500 in materials, labour and industry instruction over two phases of the project. The company previously donated asphalt shingles and provided staff to install them. This year, it supplied metal roofing and shared instructions with the carpentry students on proper installation methods so they could complete that section themselves.

“As a local company, we believe in supporting practical training that strengthens our community and helps prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” said Robin Watson, owner of Hometown Roofing Ltd. “We’re proud to contribute materials that will give Okanagan College students specialized experience installing solar panels on different types of roofing.”

The project also gave the carpentry students an opportunity to learn about another part of the building industry while creating a training resource that will serve future solar students. 

“The carpentry students learned that the trade involves more than working with wood,” said Nelson. “They also had an opportunity to try their hand at metal roofing. We appreciate Hometown Roofing for supplying both the materials and the knowledge needed to install it properly.”

The mock roof is being used for Okanagan College’s Solar Photovoltaic Systems Introduction and Installation microcredential, which began this month at the Penticton campus.

The program combines instructor-led evening classes delivered online, self-paced study and in-person practical training. Its flexible format is intended to make the program accessible to working adults who want to build new skills without stepping away from full-time employment.

“Having a mock roof with both asphalt shingles and metal roofing makes the training much closer to what installers actually see in the field,” said Forrest Tymchuk, solar PV instructor at Okanagan College and project manager with Swiss Solar Tech Ltd., a locally owned solar energy company that has served the Okanagan for more than 25 years. “Students can practice safe, proper installation techniques in a controlled environment and build practical skills they can take directly to the job site.”

The introductory microcredential provides training in solar fundamentals and installation and is a prerequisite for the College’s Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Professionals microcredential. The professional program, intended specifically for Red Seal electricians, begins on the evening of Nov. 2, 2026, and is also delivered in a hybrid format. 

“Okanagan College is providing students with comprehensive, up-to-date training in solar photovoltaic installation,” said Roger Huber, owner of Swiss Solar Tech Ltd. “Graduates understand current equipment, installation practices, safety requirements and industry terminology, and they have an opportunity to apply that knowledge through hands-on training. They still need to build field experience, as every new installer does, but they arrive with the knowledge and practical preparation to begin contributing on the job. For an employer, that makes hiring and initial workplace training considerably easier.”

For program details and registration information, visit okanagancollege.ca.