OCNews

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 believed the experience in architecture and building design would be a good opportunity to venture further into the world of architecture," said Faluyi. "I had already been drawn to architectural visualizations and renders, so this felt like the right next step."

He applied. And everything changed.

The ACE Certificate is a 14-month, fully funded program designed to support underrepresented populations in the ACE sector, including newcomers to Canada with a background in an ACE-related field and recent high school graduates with an interest in exploring a career in ACE. 

Anyone interested but not falling into one of the priority populations is still welcome to apply to the program. Tuition, books and supplies are fully covered through the Province of B.C.'s Workplace Innovation Fund, an initiative of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan. Work placement positions are paid. Applications are currently open for the 2026 intake which starts on July 13. 

The program begins with a six-week Summer Intensive at OC's Kelowna campus (July to August), where students complete three in-person courses covering digital modelling, construction project management and building technology. They then complete two 23-week paid industry internships and online courses in communication, materials, systems and estimating — all while building real-world experience and industry connections.

For Faluyi, the group projects and courses provided camaraderie and some surprises. "What surprised me was the amount of detail and thought that goes into even the most seemingly mundane things," shared Faluyi. "Before this, I didn't know how much thought goes into wall assemblies and construction."

The digital modelling course resonated most with Faluyi — aligning with his prior skills while pushing him further. At this point in the program, he is working confidently in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Revit, tools that once felt too complicated and out of reach.

In his paid industry internship with Prime Building Design in Vernon, Faluyi is doing the real work: drafting and building design, zoning research and application, and 3D visualizations and renders for completed projects. His employer has taken a deliberate, supportive approach — tailoring projects to his skill level and maintaining realistic expectations while he grows.

"This gradual approach has given me confidence that I could have a future career in this field," said Faluyi. "I have learnt about work expectations and communication skills that a classroom wouldn't have been able to provide. Real-world problems often require out-of-the-box solutions — so I have been able to practice problem-solving in a way that really matters."

The ACE Certificate reflects Okanagan College's ongoing commitment to connecting students with careers that matter — right here in the region they call home.

"The Okanagan needs skilled workers in architecture, construction and engineering — and demand is only growing," said OC’s Dean of Community Engagement and Careers, Alison Gibson. "This program meets students where they are. It's fully funded, hands-on and built around real industry experience. We're not just preparing students for a job — we're opening the door to a career they may never have thought was possible for them." 

According to B.C.'s 2025 Labour Market Outlook, architecture, construction and engineering are all high-opportunity occupations, with approximately 26,610 civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics engineers, 3,510 architects, and 20,000 construction managers currently working throughout the province — and significant growth expected over the next decade.

When asked what he'd tell someone who's curious about the program but unsure, Faluyi doesn't hesitate. "It is definitely worth the effort. Although it might be daunting to have so many things completely foreign to you, the experience you'll gain — if you put in the work — will give you confidence and skills that will serve you well in whatever career path you eventually choose."

Seats are still available for the July 13 start date. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at okanagancollege.ca/ace. Application deadline is June 10, 2026.