How to participate
Apply through your school district by visiting your school's career coordinator for more details.
Additional Sampler programs
Sampler programs let you explore different fields like health, trades, tech, or leadership without the pressure of committing to a full program.
Engineering Sampler
The Engineering Sampler program introduces students to the multifaceted world of engineering. Students will explore four key engineering fields, learn fundamental principles, and gain an understanding of the design process. This program combines theoretical learning with hands-on activities, providing students with insight into the profession and the educational pathways available to them. Students will also examine problem solving strategies and explore key systems and applications within the engineering sector. Whether you’re interested in building cities and structures, designing machines, managing water resources, or working with electronics, this course offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the field of engineering.
Entry requirements: For high school students in grades 10-12
Delivery method: In Person
- Free training offered by Okanagan College and your local school district
- Students will receive 4 credits for high school
- Learn skills related to a variety of careers in the engineering sector
- Taught by industry professionals
- Topics covered:
- Mechanical, Civil, Electronic and Water Engineering technology will be introduced
- Program date: February 2027 - May 2027
- Offered in:
- SD67 (TBD) - Winter 2027 | February 2027 - May 2027
- SD23 - Winter 2027 | February 2027 - May 2027
- Attend classes two evenings per week at Okanagan College and some Saturdays
- Held in person with some online learning and field trips
Health Sampler
The Health Sampler program introduces students to the diverse and rewarding world of health care. Students will explore a variety of health-related professions and gain an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative nature of the health care sector. This program combines theoretical learning with hands-on experiences in Okanagan College labs and through interactive activities, providing students with insight into both the clinical and non-clinical areas of health care. Students will apply their knowledge through a collaborative case study that ties together their learning across modules. Field trips and guest speakers from a range of health care professions also provide valuable real-world perspectives and help students explore educational and career pathways within the health sector. Whether you are interested in direct patient care, health sciences, or supporting roles within the health system, this course offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the field of health care.
Entry requirements: For high school students in grades 10-12
Delivery method: Hybrid
- Free training offered by Okanagan College and your local school district
- Students will receive 4 credits for high school
- Learn skills related to a variety of careers in the health industry
- Taught by industry professionals
- Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Dental Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Therapeutic Assistant Diploma, Pharmacy Technician Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Human Service Worker, Human Kinetic Diploma, Medical Device Reprocessing.
- Program date: February 2027 - May 2027
- Attend evening classes twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and Saturday labs at Okanagan College, with some field trips included
- Some online material will also be presented through Okanagan College’s learning platform Brightspace.
Leadership in Action Sampler
The Leadership in Action program provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences at Camp OC. Students will begin by completing interactive online coursework that explores key concepts in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, child engagement, and leadership development. Students will then apply their learning through a two-week volunteer placement at Camp OC, where they will work alongside camp staff to support children in camp classrooms and activities. Through mentoring younger campers, leading group activities, and contributing to a positive camp environment, students will develop valuable leadership and interpersonal skills while gaining practical experience working with children. Whether you are interested in becoming a role model, building confidence, or developing skills for future education and career opportunities, this program offers a fun and engaging introduction to a career working with children.
Entry requirements: For high school students in grades 10-12
Delivery method: Hybrid
- Free training offered by Okanagan College and your local school district
- Students will receive either 2 or 4 credits for high school - 2 credit option only available in SD23
- Students will volunteer either 1 or 2 weeks at Camp OC throughout July and August - 1 week option only available in SD23
- Program date: June 2027 - August 2027
- Online course work available mid–June. In-person volunteer component runs the weeks of your choosing throughout July and August.
- OPTION 1 (2 credits): 2-hour in-person orientation, 12 hours of online coursework, and 35 in-person volunteer hours at Camp OC (1 week at Camp OC) *only available in SD23
- OPTION 2 (4 credits): 2-hour in-person orientation, 12 hours of online coursework, and 70 in-person volunteer hours at Camp OC (2 weeks at Camp OC)
Technology Sampler
The Technology Sampler program introduces students to the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of information technology and computer science. Students will explore foundational concepts and develop practical skills in two key areas: IT Essentials and Introduction to Coding. This program combines conceptual learning with hands-on activities, providing students with opportunities to develop problem-solving strategies, computational thinking skills, and an understanding of how technology is applied in a wide range of industries. Through guided instruction and interactive projects, students will gain insight into current technologies and explore educational and career pathways within the technology sector. Whether you are interested in understanding how computers work, writing code, or exploring careers in cybersecurity, networking, or software development, this course offers a dynamic and engaging introduction to the field of technology.
Entry requirements: For high school students in grades 10-12
Delivery method: Online
- Free training offered by Okanagan College and your local school district
- Learn skills related to a variety of careers in the information technology sector
- Taught by industry professionals
- Gain hands-on skills directly related to IT Essentials and Mobile Coding
- Program date: September 2026 - December 2026
- Two evenings per week at 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Course materials presented online
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (ML&AI) Sampler
The Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Sampler introduces students to the growing fields of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence through hands-on exploration of real-world data. Students use spreadsheets, statistical methods, data visualizations, regression models, and simulations to identify patterns, answer questions, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Students will also explore how generative AI can support data analysis, problem-solving, and data storytelling, while examining effective prompting, the verification of AI-generated content, bias, privacy, and responsible use. Through these activities, students develop critical-thinking, technical, creative, and communication skills relevant to further study and careers in data science and AI.
Entry requirements: For high school students in grades 10-12
Delivery method: In-person
- Free training offered by Okanagan College and your local school district
- Students will receive four (4) credits for high school
- Learn skills related to a variety of careers in the data science/tech industry
- Taught by industry professional
- Topics covered:
- Sampling, Survey Design & Descriptive Statistics
- Data Visualization & Storytelling
- Introduction to Machine Learning: Linear Regression
- Artificial Intelligence & Simulation
- Program date: February 2027 - May 2027
- Two evenings per week and every other Saturday