Learning & Programs
Okanagan College student’s beverage recipe earns stamp of approval by local beverage maker
July 23, 2026
Nadia Alves had never considered the science behind beverage formulation before she walked into the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at the Penticton Campus of Okanagan College last spring. But after a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experience, not only did she understand and practice some of the scientific research that goes into beverage formulation, she also co-developed a non-alcoholic beverage recipe that a real client selected for potential commercial development. Alves, a first-year Associate of Science student ...
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More than two dozen Okanagan College programs eligible for StrongerBC future skills grant
July 20, 2026
When Omar Algiasena enrolled in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) studies through InspirED Continuing Studies and Corporate Training at Okanagan College, he was looking to take his interest in digital mapping and turn it into a career. He did just that, demonstrating how education can open doors and why programs like the StrongerBC future skills grant matter for learners looking to build skills, advance their careers or transition into growing industries. The Province of B.C.’s StrongerBC future skills grant is helping Brit...
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Okanagan College becomes the first B.C. post-secondary institution certified for B-Pressure welder testing
July 15, 2026
For Okanagan College alum Jimmy Appel, and other journeyperson welders and welding apprentices in B.C. who work in Alberta, a drive across the provincial border for B-Pressure initial certification or recertification testing may soon be a thing of the past. On June 26, Okanagan College became the first post-secondary institution in British Columbia to be certified by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) to conduct B-Pressure welder testing. B-Pressure certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in Alberta’s we...
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Okanagan College alumna named BCHL Athletic Therapist of the Year
June 26, 2026
Whether she is working on the ice or on the field, Cassidy Findlay is at the top of her game.Findlay, currently the Athletic Therapist for the West Kelowna Warriors, was recently named the BC Hockey League’s (BCHL) Athletic Therapist of the Year for 2025-26. It is a significant recognition for the Certified Athletic Therapist, who traces the foundation of her success directly back to her time in OC’s Kinesiology diploma program. Findlay came to OC knowing she wanted to work in health care related to sport. What she didn’t know ...
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Okanagan College expands computer information systems degree with new options to address demand for tech talent
June 15, 2026
Okanagan College is expanding its Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS) degree with three new options beginning in September 2026: Cybersecurity, Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and an Honours Degree. The additions give students a more direct path to some of B.C.'s fastest-growing and highest-demand technology careers.The expansion responds directly to labour market signals. According to the B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2025, professional, scientific and technical services — which encompasses computer syste...
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OC Student Success Highlights Practical Path into B.C.’s Design and Drafting Industry
May 28, 2026
When Akinkunmi Faluyi graduated from high school, he had a clear creative instinct — a keen interest in 3D modelling and design — but no obvious path to turn it into a career. He enrolled in a program to sharpen his digital art skills, but felt like something was missing.Then he heard about the Certificate in Essential Technical Skills for Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE Certificate), delivered by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in partnership with Okanagan College (OC) at the Kelowna campus."I b...
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Okanagan College launches Open Studies to expand access to credit courses for learners across the region
May 25, 2026
Okanagan College (OC) is making its courses more accessible to the public with the introduction of Open Studies at OC, the ability for people to take individual courses without taking a full program. "Learning doesn't always start with a program," said OC’s Provost and Vice President Academic, Dr. Samantha Lenci....
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Meet Emilie Lougheed, Welding instructor
May 20, 2026
Q: What is your education and background?A: In 2016 I completed my Foundations ticket here at OC after first trying welding while living overseas in New Zealand. With the help of WITT and MNBC I completed all my levels here at the college.I bounced around all over BC including the Kootenays and Revelstoke where I built inland ferries and worked for CP Rail.Q: What is your area of interest?A: I enjoy working creatively with my hands, whether that’s welding and trying ne...
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Okanagan College welcomes alum Ashley Ramsay as Director of Entrepreneurship
May 11, 2026
Okanagan College (OC) is pleased to announce Ashley Ramsay as the new Director of Entrepreneurship within the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship.An Okanagan College alumnus who built a career as a respected entrepreneur, ecosystem builder and community connector, Ramsay’s background includes more than two decades of experience spanning business leadership, technology, creative industries and startup development. She has also worked with Indigenous groups across Canada and recently concluded an in-house role with Westbank F...
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Okanagan College’s Jill of All Trades inspires the next generation — and the results are already showing
April 22, 2026
In grade eight, Sophie Heuston walked into a hands-on skilled trades event and was introduced to the electrical trade for the first time. She didn’t know it then, but that day pointed her toward everything that came next. Today, Heuston is a Red Seal electrician and project manager with FortisBC in the Kootenay region. Her career path wasn’t linear — but her interest in the trades was sparked early, leading to electrical training and a great career.On April 28, she brings her story to OC’s Kelowna campus as the keynote speaker ...
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Refreshed programming coming to OC when new building opens
April 15, 2026
With just over a year until the opening of the new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism at Okanagan College, excitement is building and the College is hard at work with local industry partners to review and renew programming so that the Centre is truly the best place in Canada to learn and train to work in careers in the culinary and beverage sectors.As the new building continues to progress, so too does the programming that will help support local industries and students. The College announced a new partnership with Niagara Colle...
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Okanagan College celebrates student ingenuity at annual Student Showcase
April 2, 2026
Okanagan College student Mariah Matthews is looking forward to showcasing what she has learned in her interdisciplinary studies around gender and psychology at Okanagan College’s fourth annual OC Student Showcase.Taking place on April 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College, the Showcase brings together students from across the college to share what they have been building, creating and discovering through hands-on learning. “The Showcase highlights the importance of a well-rounded education,” said Matthews,...
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Okanagan College CCAA bronze medalist builds success on and off the ice
March 24, 2026
Lauren Cochrane came to Okanagan College (OC) unsure of her path. Three years later, she’s competing on the national curling stage, supporting fellow students through OC’s Peer Support program and working in the campus fitness facility— all while maintaining a full course load in the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at OC. This year, Cochrane and her PACWEST curling teammates brought home a bronze medal from the CCAA National Curling Championships in Regina — following a gold medal at the 2025 Championships. The tea...
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Okanagan College becomes B.C.’s only public institution with CMA-recognized marketing pathways
March 10, 2026
Okanagan College has become the only public post-secondary institution in British Columbia with Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) pre‑approved marketing credentials, giving eligible graduates an accelerated pathway to the CMA’s Chartered Marketer designation. Five Okanagan College marketing programs have been formally recognized by the CMA for inclusion in its Accelerated Education Pathway. As a result, eligible graduates can fast-track the Chartered Marketer (CM) designation with fewer courses, less time and lower overall c...
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Okanagan College launches redesigned accounting program
March 4, 2026
The Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College is launching a new accounting program, designed to meet industry demands and support people who want to advance their careers with modern skills.Applications are now open for the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting, which can be taken online or in person. The new program streamlines pathways into the accounting profession, leading to a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.“We designed the program to remove unnecessary barriers while ensuring gra...
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Camp OC serves up summer fun and learning across the Okanagan
February 23, 2026
Camp OC is back for another summer of learning and fun with creative, hands-on and high-energy camps at Okanagan College campuses across the region. Designed for children and youth in grades 1–12, Camp OC offers week-long day camps and high school credit programs in a safe, supportive environment that families have come to trust.Running from July through August at Okanagan College campuses in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm, Camp OC invites young learners to explore a wide range of interests — from coding to cooking, paint...
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