Okanagan College Trades & Apprenticeship

Could this be the summer you discover a new skill?

This is your opportunity to become the coolest person in your friend group by learning traditional bow making or crafting a metal flower.

Metal Flower Workshop 🌸
Date: June 20
Register online at: https://continuingstudies.okanagan.bc.ca/public/category/programStream.do?method=load&selectedProgramAreaId=1482616&selectedProgramStreamId=1482635

Traditional Bow Making 🏹
Date: June 26–28
Register online at: https://continuingstudies.okanagan.bc.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=5722243&selectedProgramAreaId=1482616&selectedProgramStreamId=1482635

Whether you're the crafty friend, the DIY friend, or just someone who likes trying new things, these workshops are a fun way to learn a new skill and make something you'll actually get to take home.

Congratulations to the Trades graduates!

You are the skilled trades professionals who are ready to build, create and keep our communities moving.

We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where your skills take you next. The future is in good hands.

Congratulations, grads!

A trip abroad and a love for creating things with her hands ended up leading Emilie to the perfect career.

When Emilie tried welding for the first time while travelling in New Zealand, she had no idea it would completely change her path. Since then, she’s worked across B.C. building ferries, working for CP Rail and now helping students at Okanagan College discover confidence in the trades.

Whether she’s making metal art, teaching in the shop or out exploring trails on her bike, Emilie’s story is such a good reminder that sometimes the things we try on a whim end up taking us exactly where we’re meant to go.

Okanagan College students brought home an impressive medal haul at the 2026 Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition, showcasing their talent across trades and technology disciplines.

From precision in car painting to innovation in IT systems and technical expertise in refrigeration and collision repair, OC students stepped up to one of the province’s most competitive stages—and delivered.

🥇 3 Gold
🥈 3 Silver
🥉 1 Bronze

These results reflect more than strong performances. They speak to the dedication of our students, the mentorship of our instructors, and the power of hands-on learning.

Gold medalists will go on to represent British Columbia at the national competition in Toronto this May.

We’re proud of every student who competed—demonstrating skill, resilience and a commitment to their craft.

This is what learning looks like in action.

Learn more about trades and technology programs at Okanagan College: okanagancollege.ca

Join us for a one-day course exploring the art of crafting metal flowers. Learn the essential tools, materials and techniques along with important safety practices to shape metal into something truly unique.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, this hands-on experience is a chance to try something new and add to your creative repertoire.

Discover the possibilities of learning by doing, sigh up at https://continuingstudies.okanagan.bc.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2347185&selectedProgramAreaId=1482616&selectedProgramStreamId=1482635

Shoutout to Okanagan College students competing at the 2026 Skills Canada BC Provincial Trades and Technology Competition this Wednesday, April 15 in Abbotsford!

Eleven students will represent OC in the following competition categories: Automotive, Car Painting, Carpentry, Collision Repair, Electronics, Heavy Duty Mechanics, IT Network Systems Administration, Refrigeration, Sheet Metal and Welding.

Gold medalists will earn a spot on Team BC and advance to the National Competition in Toronto. Best of luck to all!


Images courtesy of SkillsCanada BC
Skills Canada BC

We’re hiring: Vocational Instructor, Plumbing & Piping Trades
Regular Full-time | Kelowna

You built your career in the trades.
Now help build the next generation.

Okanagan College is seeking a Vocational Instructor in Plumbing & Piping Trades to deliver high-quality instruction and bring real-world expertise into the classroom and shop.

You will teach, advise, support student success, and contribute to curriculum development while maintaining excellence in your trade.

Required:
✔ Certificate of Apprenticeship with Interprovincial endorsement
✔ Six to ten years recent, relevant industry experience
Preferred:
✔ Instructor Diploma or BC Teacher’s Certificate
✔ Red Seal Gasfitter
✔ Cross Connection Control License
💰 $71,846–$115,129 annually
📍 Kelowna
📅 Apply by April 23, 2026

If you are ready to pass on your knowledge and shape the future of the plumbing trade, we want to hear from you.

👉 Apply today: https://careers.okanagan.bc.ca/postings/15894

WinSETT (Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology) workshop series, in partnership with the ACTION project.

Saturday, April 18,2026 – Communicate Like a Leader
Build communication skills, navigate tough conversations, and strengthen confidence

We want every tradeswoman to see themselves as a leader, regardless of where they are in their career. This is an opportunity where tradeswomen can connect, learn network, and get mentoring information and resources.

What can you expect?
A full breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided
(Each session is $25 ($75 for the series). You will receive the money back if you attend
Mileage can be paid for those coming from out of town
Parking will be free
Registration closes April 11th for Workshop #2

CONNECTING TRADESWOMEN EMPOWERMENT ROADSHOW - Workshop #2 Okanagan

For more information reach out to [email protected]

The Try-a-Trade event at the Okanagan College campus in Vernon gave students the chance to explore different career paths in the residential construction industry through hands-on learning.

Hosted in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders' Association Central Okanagan, the event invited students to roll up their sleeves and participate in interactive workshops, trying out a variety of trades and learning directly from OC instructors and mentors in the dual credit program.

Parents and guests also joined the conversation through industry panel discussions, campus tours and a tradeshow where professionals shared insights about their career journeys.

Thanks to everyone who helped make it an evening of discovery, connection and inspiration for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.