Learning &
The Power of Microcredentials in Workforce Readiness
February 11, 2025
Reproduced with permission from The Evolllution.Microcredentials are transforming education and workforce readiness by offering flexible, stackable learning opportunities that align with industry needs. These programs enable learners to build relevant skills at their own pace while empowering institutions to support lifelong learning and adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing job market. In this interview, Danelle Greebe, OC's Director of Continuing Studies & Corporate Training and Mary Kline, Associate Director, discuss the...
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Audio Engineering students at Okanagan College strike the right chord
February 6, 2025
At Okanagan College (OC), students are empowered to turn their passion and learnings into real-world experiences. For Audio Engineering and Music Production (AEMP) student, Andrew Malyk, that meant embracing the challenge of organizing a live concert with his classmates — the exciting capstone project of the AEMP program at OC.“It’s like solving a fun puzzle,” said Malyk. “Preparing and troubleshooting the audio gear for a live show has been so rewarding. Watching everything come together is an incredible feeling.”This evening, M...
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Preparing students for the evolving workforce: Okanagan College hosts region-wide open houses
January 22, 2025
Okanagan College is setting the stage for students to excel in an evolving workforce. The College invites the community to its 2025 Open House events, showcasing how education at empowers learners to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a world reshaped by technology, societal changes, and the future of work.This January and February, will host a series of open houses across all campuses, starting with the Vernon campus on January 28.Events schedule:Vernon Campus: Tues., Jan. 28 from 5 - 7p.m.Kelowna Campus: Thurs., J...
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Students work experience supports local social enterprises and non-profit organizations
January 9, 2025
Not all learning happens in the classroom at As business student Greta Friesen and her colleagues in the School of Business found out, getting real-world experience through partnerships with local non-profit and social purpose organizations will have lasting impacts on their career journeys.Friesen was among a group of students who worked with Kelowna-based Chickpeace Refillery, a zero-waste company that provides package-free products such as food and soaps to customers.The students joined forces with ...
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Triple threat Okanagan College alum inspires the next generation of women in trades at Jill of All Trades™
November 22, 2024
When Okanagan College (OC) alum Cassidy McEown took on the challenge of restoring a 1969 Roadrunner on the show Rust Valley Bros, she wasn’t just buffing out dents—she was proving her mettle. Tasked with handling the car’s bodywork, paint, and polishing entirely on her own, Cassidy rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless finish on a tight deadline. Her reward? A well-deserved, newfound respect, and the confidence to achieve her Red Seal certification. Much like the Roadrunner itself, Cassidy has been unstoppable ever since, crui...
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Unwrap a winter of fun with Camp OC-inspired After School at Okanagan College
October 31, 2024
Local parent Angie Kunz enrolled her daughter in Camp for the first time this past summer and was impressed by the diverse course offerings and incredible staff.Now, Angie and families in Kelowna and Penticton have the opportunity to introduce their kids to education-focused programs with the expansion of Camp from summer camps to include After School beginning in January 2025."I chose Camp for my daughter because there were several programs that fit her interests,” shares Angie. “She had such a great experience at...
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professor Corinna Chong nominated for prestigious Giller Prize
September 6, 2024
The title of her latest book may be Bad Land, but there’s nothing bad about Okanagan College professor Corinna Chong’s latest achievement. Her novel has been longlisted for the Giller Prize, the prestigious Canadian literary award that celebrates the best in Canadian fiction across long formats and short stories. Chong, who teaches English, Creative Writing, and Fine Arts in the College’s Writing and Publishing Diploma Program, is no stranger to national literary acclaim. In 2021, she won the CBC Short Story Prize for her piec...
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Celebrating Gordon Shuster’s Legacy and Welcoming New Leadership in International Education
August 13, 2024
After 35 years of dedicated service, Gordon Shuster is retiring from Gordon’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including witnessing the institution's transformation from Okanagan College to Okanagan University College and back again, all while seeing the college grow and evolve. Over the past 25 years, Gordon has been a cornerstone of the International Education department, playing a crucial role in its expansion from 300 to over 2,000 international students. His impact extends beyond the campus, i...
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Okanagan College School of Business Earns Prestigious 10-Year Re-accreditation
August 13, 2024
Okanagan College’s School of Business (OCSB) has achieved a major milestone, earning a 10-year re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and (ACBSP). The prestigious recognition was awarded to on June 29, 2024, in Miami, Florida and represents the school’s dedication to excellence in business education and its commitment to continuous improvement.Since first receiving accreditation in 2014, the OCSB has worked tirelessly to enhance its curriculum and programs, ensuring students recei...
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Okanagan College Welcomes New Dean of Health and Social Development
July 31, 2024
Okanagan College is pleased to announce that Patrena Mackie has joined as the new Dean of Health and Social Development. With over 17 years of experience in teaching and health care, Patrena brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our community. She holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Nursing.Mackie comes to Okanagan College from Bow Valley College where she was the Associate Dean of the School of Health and Wellness, Nursing portfolio. During her career she has maintained a focus on integrating technology into c...
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Okanagan College introduces InspirED with new, career-focused programs
July 3, 2024
When Mike Grewe looked to further his education, he was unsure whether the pursuit of traditional post-secondary education was truly for him. With a deep passion for music, Mike was looking for a program that would support his musical interests and position him for career opportunities in the industry. What he found was the Audio Engineering and Music Production Certificate at Okanagan College (OC). The Audio Engineering and Music Production program is one of dozens of courses and programs under the new InspirED banner, anno...
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Construction underway for new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism
June 24, 2024
Construction will begin this summer on the new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism on Okanagan College's Kelowna campus, which will support B.C.͛s tourism sector and help train people for in-demand jobs"B.C. is expecting 91,000 new job openings in tourism- and hospitality-related industries over the next decade, and the majority of these jobs will require some form post-secondary education or skills training." said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. ͞This centre will equip students with the knowledge a...
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Diploma Battles: Is Computer Information Systems Worth It?
June 17, 2024
Does it feel like you're hosting your very own Hunger Games yet?Once you start exploring education and career paths, all your potential options seem to get into a battle royale for your future. Luckily, in this arena, you get to decide the winner.If you're great at problem-solving and you love computers, Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems (CIS) Diploma could be a strong contender for your future.In this two-year program, you explore a wide variety of engaging c...
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Student finds a home in Computer Sciences at OC
June 10, 2024
When Okanagan College student Kristina Cormier was searching for post-secondary schools to attend, she had some criteria she was looking for.She researched the benefits of different industries she was interested in and the programs that were available. She heard good things about alumni and the work they were doing. She loved the location in the Okanagan Valley and the small class sizes is known for.But it was OC’s Computer Science Department that really caught her eye. She was soon enrolled in the Bachelor of Compu...
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Set yourself apart in the tourism industry: benefits of our program
April 24, 2024
Choosing the right career path can be difficult, especially in today’s turbulent job market. With so many options, you may find it challenging to decide what you want to do and how to cultivate the necessary skills. The hospitality and tourism industry is one field that continues to grow, offering promising opportunities to dedicated individuals.If you're committed to making your mark in the tourism industry, building a solid foundation and learning unique skills are crucia...
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Students to explore theme of progress at showcase event
March 11, 2024
For Nikita Worm, attending Adult Upgrading classes at Okanagan College changed her outlook and gave her life new meaning. Learning new skills through one of OC’s foundational programs, was just the tonic to help support her in her outlook on life. "The College and the courses here have helped me to be so positive about my life and my future. I feel like I’m worth something now," said Worm. Worm will be one of many students presenting their work at an upcoming student showcase, scheduled to take ...
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