OCNews

Okanagan College will receive 256 new skilled-trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy commitment to deliver 5,000 new trades training seats in 2026-27.

The Provincial Government made the announcement today in Kelowna at an event featuring Okanagan College student Emily Frick, who spoke of her experience in the skilled trades. 

"Growing up I always knew that I wanted to work in a profession that allowed me to use my hands while being creative. Being able to work as an automotive refinishing technician is the perfect mix of creativity and technical skills. It’s a dream career that allows me to develop my skills, branch off into many categories within, all with endless possibilities and opportunities," said Emily, who received many accolades for her involvement in the event.

OC President Dr. Neil Fassina also spoke at the event.

"As the second-largest public trades training institution in the province, at Okanagan College we know that investments in trades programs are investments in people and the long-term strength of our economy. The students and apprentices who benefit from this funding will go on to build and maintain the infrastructure that British Columbians rely on every day, from housing, technology and transportation networks to the systems that support agriculture, growing communities and local businesses. We can see that demand firsthand through major construction projects underway across our region, including here at OC and at Kelowna International Airport, where skilled trades professionals are helping shape the future of the Okanagan," said Fassina.

This expansion will help people train in programs in trades leading to good-paying jobs that support the region and the province's fast11growing economy.

"With more than $88 billion in proposed projects across British Columbia, we are ensuring   young people can build a good life here in the Okanagan and across the province," said Premier David Eby. "By boosting skilled-trades training, we're making sure British Columbians are first in line for jobs and career opportunities ahead."

Expanding skilled-trades training capacity, reducing wait lists

The new seats will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, introduce more young people to trades and increase training capacity in high-demand careers, including:

• construction and housing
• critical minerals
• automotive
• manufacturing
• clean energy

Aligning B.C.'s workforce, education and industrial objectives

Major projects in clean energy, critical minerals, construction and transportation are driving demand for skilled workers throughout the province.

As part of the Look West strategy, the B.C. government is making sure British Columbians can be first in line for in-demand jobs in the aerospace and maritime sectors.

Two tables will be set up to convene senior leaders from industry, key post-secondary and training partners, and organized labour to provide strategic insight into workforce needs, capability gaps and emerging opportunities within the sector. They will also receive feedback from employers about what is working well and where improvements can be made.

Supporting a growing aerospace hub

Kelowna is B.C.'s third-largest aerospace hub, home to approximately 18% of the province's aerospace companies. The sector relies on skilled-trades workers such as sheet-metal mechanics, welders and electricians. These occupations are also in demand across construction, maritime and natural-resource industries.

A partnership between Okanagan College and the BPL Legacy Foundation/KF Aerospace is enabling construction of a new aerospace training facility. Once complete, it will expand aircraft maintenance-engineer program capacity from 64 to 144 students by 2028.

Building a stronger economy

With expanded programming at Okanagan College and a strong aircraft maintenance and manufacturing base, Kelowna is well-positioned to support B.C.'s priorities under the Canadian Defence Industrial Strategy. Local companies such as KF Aerospace, CAE and TerraSense Analytics are already active in defence-related work, creating opportunities in aircraft maintenance, advanced manufacturing, remote sensing and artificial intelligence.

"Expanding access to skilled-training opportunities across B.C., including here in the Okanagan, means more British Columbians will gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs in the communities they call home," said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "By preparing British Columbians for in-demand careers, we are supporting key Look West priority industries, strengthening local communities and building a resilient economy that all of B.C. can benefit from."

Learn More:

• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
• Read about the Look West skilled-trades investment: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PSFS0052-001123
• Learn about the updates to the Look West updates: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0020-000479

To learn more about skilled-trades training and opportunities, go to: strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/skilled-trades-training/