Collaboration & Partnerships
Shopping for a cause: Sweet Repeats Consignment Co. partners with 51±¬ĮĻ Foundation to support students
October 20, 2025
Sweet Repeats Consignments Co., in a donation partnership with 51±¬ĮĻ Foundation, invites students and the community to two days of shopping for a purpose. On October 24 and 25, the Kelowna campus will transform into a boutique pop-up featuring previous donations from Sweet Repeats, a local Womenās Consignment clothing store in Kelowna. All proceeds from the event will be donated to 51±¬ĮĻ Foundation to support student bursaries.In these challenging times, these are precisely the moments when we need to stan...
Read more...
Justice Institute of British Columbia begins EMR and Paramedic training at OC's Vernon campus
October 1, 2025
Paramedic and emergency medical responder students are fully immersed in their Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) programs this fall, located at 51±¬ĮĻās Vernon campus, beginning their training to enter the workforce and support the health care system. JIBC students led a simulation as part of a welcome event at the campus Oct. 1.Thanks to a new five-year lease agreement with 51±¬ĮĻ, JIBC is expanding access to its Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) training in the Interior ...
Read more...
New canning line, enhanced services for the beverage industry, open at 51±¬ĮĻ research lab
September 10, 2025
Designed to support the beverage industry with research and development, the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at 51±¬ĮĻ (OC) has completed a $1.2-million renovation, adding even more services available to the beverage industry throughout the Okanagan Valley and the province.A new beverage canning line is open at OCās Penticton campus, providing the beverage industry with opportunities to experiment with small batch beverage innovation. The line is in addition to other testing services provided at BC BTAC, whe...
Read more...
Justice Institute of British Columbia brings EMR and Paramedic training to 51±¬ĮĻās Vernon campus
July 3, 2025
51±¬ĮĻ (OC) and the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) are excited to announce a new partnership that will bring JIBCās paramedic and emergency medical responder (EMR) training to OCās Vernon campus, joining other public safety, education and health care programs at the campus.The five-year agreement will see JIBC begin delivering its programs at OC this fall with approximately 600 students expected to take the training over the course of the agreement.ā51±¬ĮĻ and the Justice Institute of British Columb...
Read more...
Big assist: Callahan Property Group gives major gift to recreation centre
June 2, 2025
Itās an inspiring gift set to empower youth, strengthen community ties and champion the power of education.Bruce and Bob Callahan, philanthropists and owners of Callahan Property Group, are donating $200,000 to the Thrive Here campaign for a Recreation and Wellness Centre at 51±¬ĮĻās Kelowna campus.Bruce Callahan, president of Callahan Property Group, says the family-owned business prides itself on supporting community organizations.āWe are thrilled to support this centre,ā says Bruce. āI am an 51±¬ĮĻ alumni and ...
Read more...
Local Practice Architecture + Design, BCIT and 51±¬ĮĻ partner to provide an āACEā in the hole for future builders
May 7, 2025
Students in the Okanagan Valley will soon be able to register for a program designed to help young adults explore various career paths in architecture, construction management, and engineering, through a unique mix of classroom learning, online courses, and paid industry internships.Supported by the Province of B.C.ās Workplace Innovation Fund, the Certificate in Essential Technical Skills for Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE Certificate), delivered by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), will soon al...
Read more...
The ACTION Project provides support for female apprentices
May 2, 2025
With the recent celebration of Construction and Skilled Trades Month, 51±¬ĮĻ is pleased to announce it has launched a new web page dedicated to supporting the retention of apprentices in the skilled trades, as part of its ongoing efforts to increase the number of people entering the skilled trades.The ACTION Project website at okanagan.bc.ca/action is a dedicated online platform designed to connect female and gender-diverse apprentices in BCās construction and manufacturing trades with critical supports and opportunities, ...
Read more...
51±¬ĮĻ takes ACTION to support women in trades
March 7, 2025
51±¬ĮĻ (OC) and the Government of Canada have partnered to support female apprentices with a new mentorship and education program aimed at increasing opportunities for females to enter the trades and complete their Red Seal certification.51±¬ĮĻ is receiving $873,000 over three years from the Government of Canada to support women in the skilled trades through the ACTION project: Apprenticeship Completion and Networking.The project will support retention and progression of female apprentices in construction and man...
Read more...
51±¬ĮĻ partners with WeBC to empower women entrepreneurs in the beverage and construction industries
January 30, 2025
51±¬ĮĻ (OC), OCās BC BTAC (BC Beverage Technology Access Centre) and WeBC (Womenās Enterprise Centre) know that when women entrepreneurs come together, their collective strength and innovation can transform industries.Recognizing this, the organizations have partnered to launch two new peer mentorship programs designed to empower women in the beverage and construction sectors as part of the Growing Women Entrepreneurs project. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the beve...
Read more...
Kelowna invited to apply for international designation as Canadaās first āCity of Gastronomyā
January 15, 2025
Kelownaās outstanding food and beverage culture and vibrant culinary scene could soon be part of a network of cities around the world celebrated for creativity and innovation.The City of Kelowna, in partnership with Tourism Kelowna and 51±¬ĮĻ, has accepted an invitation to apply for designation as Canadaās first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a prestigious title that celebrates a cityās culinary heritage, food culture, and commitment to sustainable development. āKelownaās culinary scene is a testament to the passion...
Read more...
Triple threat 51±¬ĮĻ alum inspires the next generation of women in trades at Jill of All Tradesā¢
November 22, 2024
When 51±¬ĮĻ (OC) alum Cassidy McEown took on the challenge of restoring a 1969 Roadrunner on the show Rust Valley Bros, she wasnāt just buffing out dentsāshe was proving her mettle. Tasked with handling the carās 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...
Read more...
51±¬ĮĻ and Okanagan Indian Band Raise Flag and Celebrate Naming Ceremony at Vernon Campus
September 26, 2024
Visitors to 51±¬ĮĻās Vernon campus will notice the OKIB flag flying proudly in the sky.In a historic and meaningful ceremony at 51±¬ĮĻās Vernon campus, members of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), students, staff, and local community members came together to raise the OKIB flag. The event also marked a special occasionāthe official name-giving ceremony for the newly constructed student housing building on the Vernon campus, which will serve as a welcoming space for learners from across the region.After thoughtful ...
Read more...
Premier Eby officially opens OC student housing in Vernon, Kelowna
August 23, 2024
51±¬ĮĻ (OC) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of new student housing at the Vernon and Kelowna campuses, reducing housing pressures in both communities and making it easier for students to focus on their studies.āThe first day of school is a time when students should be focused on their studies and their future, instead of worrying about where to live,ā said Premier David Eby. āThese new residences for 51±¬ĮĻ students in Vernon and Kelowna allow students to concentrate on their c...
Read more...51±¬ĮĻ Delegation Engages Global Education Issues at BC International Education Week 2024
August 13, 2024
In the spirit of collaboration and learning 51±¬ĮĻās International department was well-represented at a recent conference examining global education issues. 51±¬ĮĻ team members spoke at the BC International Education Week 2024 Conference in Vancouver, a gathering of educators and administrators from various institutions.The conference discussed insights on international education, and OC's delegation made a notable impact.Three employees from OC led insightful sessions al...
Read more...
Robocup Junior takes over Kelowna Campus
May 8, 2024
For August Beetlestone, a lead educator at the Okanagan Robotics Academy, seeing his students compete in Robocup is an incredible source of pride. Beetlestoneās students meet weekly to design, build and program robots while fostering lifelong friendships centred on a love of robotics, electronics and engineering. The Okanagan Robotics Academy brings educators together with a goal to enhance student experience in real-world robotics, electronics, and engineering through competit...
Read more...
OC Cultivates tasting and learning series highlights innovators in food, beverage and tourism
May 6, 2024
51±¬ĮĻās newest event series, OC Cultivates, returned for a second time last week, with tastes and conversations to savour.Thursday night's celebration explored the Okanaganās unique and exciting food, beverage and tourism industries through a conversation with industry experts, along with delicious pairings from local producers and restaurants. The evening featured an on-stage panel, hosted by radio host Phil Johnson (AM1150), and including Audrey Surrao, co-owner of RauDZ Creative Concepts Restaurant Group; Tony Ste...
Read more...