VCC - Vancouver Community College

🎉 Congratulations to VCC President and CEO Ajay Patel on his appointment to the Destination BC Board of Directors!

Since joining Vancouver Community College in 2020, Ajay has helped advance initiatives that prepare students for in-demand careers while strengthening connections between education, industry, and our communities. We are proud to see his leadership and dedication recognized through this appointment.

Please join us in congratulating Ajay and wishing him continued success in this new role.

Full story: https://www.destinationbc.ca/news/destination-bc-welcomes-three-new-board-members/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=LinkedIn&utm_campaign=Aug_6&utm_term=board_of_directors

🔥 Metro Vancouver has issued a Yellow Air Quality Advisory due to elevated levels of wildfire smoke.
To help protect our campus community, VCC is asking everyone to:

• Keep exterior windows and doors closed where possible
• Move outdoor activities indoors when feasible
• Be mindful of those who may be more sensitive to wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect everyone. Learn how to stay safe and check current air quality updates through the City of Vancouver and Environment Canada’s website.

🔥 Metro Vancouver has issued a Yellow Air Quality Advisory due to elevated levels of wildfire smoke.

To help maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, Vancouver Community College is asking our campus community to keep exterior windows and doors closed where possible, move outdoor activities indoors when feasible, and be mindful of those who may be more sensitive to smoke.

Wildfire smoke can affect everyone, especially people with respiratory conditions, older adults, young children, and those who work outdoors.

Learn how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke: https://loom.ly/PQMW91g

Check current air quality updates from Environment Canada: https://loom.ly/z-q-aNI

📅 Reminder: All Vancouver Community College campuses will be closed on Monday, August 3 in observance of BC Day.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable long weekend. We look forward to welcoming students, employees, and visitors back when campuses reopen on Tuesday, August 4. 💚

💡 Looking to build new skills or advance your career? The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant has been renewed, giving eligible B.C. residents access to up to $3,500 toward select courses and programs at Vancouver Community College.

Whether you are exploring a new career path or upgrading your skills in a high-demand industry, VCC offers a range of Fall 2026 programs to help you reach your goals.

Learn more about eligibility and available courses: https://www.vcc.ca/about/college-information/news/article/grant-renewal-expands-upskilling-opportunities-in-high-demand-sectors.html

🏳️‍🌈 VCC is proud to celebrate Vancouver Pride and stand with our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Earlier this week, we raised the Pride flag on campus as a symbol of support, recognition, and belonging for our students, employees, and community members.

There are many ways to celebrate Pride across Vancouver this weekend, from community gatherings and performances to local events. We encourage our VCC community to take part and learn more about what is happening around the city.

Find upcoming Vancouver Pride Society events here: https://www.vancouverpride.ca/events

We are proud to share that Vancouver Community College has been nominated for the Collaboration Catalyst Award at the 2026 MAPLE Awards, presented by Magnet Network Live (https://www.facebook.com/magnetnetworklive/).

This nomination recognizes VCC's leadership in advancing collaboration across post-secondary education through initiatives including the Collaboration Framework and CredX, helping strengthen curriculum sharing, workforce development, and innovation across the sector.

We are also honoured to be nominated for the inaugural System Spotlight Award, which recognizes organizations making a meaningful impact at the local and national level, with the winner selected through a public vote.

If you believe in the work we are doing to support learners, industry, and the future of work, we would be grateful for your vote for the System Spotlight Award.

Spotlight Award: www.magnetnetworklive.ca/2026-award/
Learn more about the 2026 MAPLE Awards: www.magnetnetworklive.ca/maple-gold-2026/

🎓 Ready to build new skills?

You may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to $3,500 to help cover select programs and courses at VCC.

Join a free info session to learn what training is covered and whether you qualify.

Register today: https://www.vcc.ca/applying/apply-now/info-sessionstours/future-skills-grant/

⚡ VCC’s Broadway Campus Building A will close for a scheduled power outage from Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m. until Sunday, July 19 at noon. This temporary closure is required for planned electrical maintenance. Broadway Building B and the Downtown Campus will remain open. Please turn off all computers and electrical equipment in Building A before leaving on Friday, July 17.

🚗⚡ The future of automotive is electric, and Vancouver Community College (VCC) is preparing learners with the skills to power it.

VCC is launching new automotive training programs developed with industry to help meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in electric vehicles, automotive electronics, high-voltage battery systems, and other clean energy technologies. These hands-on programs are designed for both new learners and those looking to upgrade their skills for an evolving industry.

Read the full article to learn more about the new programs and how VCC is helping build British Columbia's clean energy workforce: https://loom.ly/g-owqnw