Okanagan College - Penticton Campus

We are thrilled to announce that Camp OC has been nominated for Best of Penticton 2026 in the category of Best Kids Camp!

If you and your family love camp OC, please take a moment to nominate us at https://bestof.pentictonnow.com/

Exploring innovation in one of the fastest-growing areas of the beverage industry!

Industry professionals, entrepreneurs and community members gathered at the Okanagan College campus in Penticton for a recent TogetHER Masterclass hosted by the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre in partnership with WeBC.

Led by microbiologist Dr. Sonja Lloyd, the session explored the unique challenges and opportunities within low and no alcohol beverages, from microbiological risks to practical strategies for improving product stability and safety. The session concluded with an exciting tour of the BCBTAC canning line.

Participants connected with peers, gained valuable insights and had the opportunity to tour the BC BTAC production lab, highlighting the applied research and innovation happening right here in the Okanagan.

Spring is here and that means it’s time to replace the winter gloves with gardening gloves! Get those green thumbs going with our Garden Guru Series – five Saturday morning workshops (April 4 – May 2) designed for backyard and community gardeners, taught by local experts who know exactly what (and how) things grow in the Okanagan. Whether you want to grow herbs and edible flowers, root vegetables or leafy greens, there’s something for every gardener.

Just $40 per session. Take one or take them all!

Register today at: https://continuingstudies.okanagan.bc.ca/public/category/programStream.do?method=load&selectedProgramAreaId=1482617&selectedProgramStreamId=1482660

Okanagan College is welcoming future students, families and career changers to our 2026 Open House events across the region this spring!

Choosing your path after high school or deciding to start something new is a big step. Our Open House events are designed to make that first step easier. Tour classrooms, labs, trades shops and student spaces. Meet instructors, advisors and current students. Explore more than 130 programs and discover flexible pathways, including upgrading and part-time study options.

📍 Event schedule:
• Vernon campus — Wednesday, March 11 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Salmon Arm campus — Tuesday, March 31 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Kelowna campus — Wednesday, April 1 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Penticton campus — Thursday, April 9 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.

As our campuses continue to grow, including the future Don Folk Family Recreation and Wellness Centre, the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism and new student housing in Penticton there has never been a more exciting time to experience OC.

We look forward to welcoming you, answering your questions and helping you see what’s possible.

Open House is free and open to everyone. Register at okanagancollege.ca/experience-oc.

Our hearts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge and everyone affected by the tragic events in their community including students, families, educators, first responders, leaders and anyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss.

To our OC community, remember that there are supports in place for you. Please take care of yourself and check in with your friends and colleagues. You can find information about supports for students and employees at the links below.

Supports for students: https://www.okanagancollege.ca/student-well-being
Supports for employees: https://homeweb.ca/en

When former nurse Teri McGrath gives, she gives with purpose. Through her Hands On Nursing Bursary, Teri is quietly changing lives at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus, supporting second-year Practical Nursing students with help toward tuition and a powerful message: we see you, we believe in you, and our community needs you.

“Nurses are there at the hardest and happiest moments of people’s lives,” says Teri. “If I can help even one student feel confident enough to keep going, then that matters.”

At a time when nursing shortages are especially urgent in the Interior, Teri’s generosity is more than a gift it’s an investment in community health. Every student she supports will go on to touch thousands of lives, strengthening care close to home for years to come.

If you’re passionate about caring for others and want to build a meaningful career close to home, applications are open for the Practical Nursing program at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus. Join a program that’s supported by community champions and designed to help you put down roots where you’re needed most.

Apply online at https://www.okanagancollege.ca/programs/practical-nursing-diploma

Looking for a career where your work truly makes a difference?

Our Practical Nursing Diploma in Penticton focuses on person-centred care, real clinical experience and building the skills you need to support patients, families and communities with confidence.

Between classroom work and clinical placements, you'll be learning by doing while you prepare for a meaningful career in health care.

Applications are open now! Apply before February 28.

Okanagan College students and recent graduates are invited to take the next step in building their professional brand with Level Up: LinkedIn Headshots for Students, a free, on-campus opportunity to receive a polished, high-quality headshot for LinkedIn and other career platforms.

A strong profile photo can make a powerful difference when connecting with employers, networking, or applying for jobs. This event is designed to help students showcase their confidence and professionalism while preparing for the workforce.

Headshot sessions will take place at multiple OC campuses to ensure accessibility for students across the region. Sessions are scheduled for January 21–22 at the Kelowna campus, followed by January 28 in Penticton, and January 29 in Vernon. Each session is free for all OC students and graduates, with advance booking required.

Spaces are limited, and students are encouraged to reserve their spot before the booking deadlines for each campus. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or creating one for the first time, this event is an easy way to elevate your career presence and put your best face forward.

REGISTRATION- All OC current students & graduates across all campuses: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=72j4XCb2zk2a3ipxqrVnYRZhGFM0FU9NqAciOXLGFvBUMzhINUJFTzFMQ1BIQURIWEUzVjRGMDlSOCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

Not sure what’s next after high school?

Explore the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) with hands-on learning and paid Work-Integrated learning internships.

Offered by Okanagan College and in partnership with BCIT, the ACE Certificate is a fully funded program.

Join our info session on Jan. 27 to learn more. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/okanagan-college-ace-certificate-virtual-info-session-tickets-1980739047812?aff=oddtdtcreator