New mentorship platform goes live for OC trades students and industry mentors
September 23, 2025
With more than 500 new and returning ǿմý (OC) trades and apprenticeship students attending the College this fall, a new online mentorship platform is now live, to connect students with mentors who can support them on their journey to a meaningful – and well-paid – career in the skilled trades.The OC Trades Network is an easy-to-use online platform that connects apprentices of all genders with industry leaders for one-on-one mentorship along with other tools for success including educational resources, training and netwo...
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New canning line, enhanced services for the beverage industry, open at ǿմý research lab
September 10, 2025
Designed to support the beverage industry with research and development, the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at ǿմý (OC) has completed a $1.2-million renovation, adding even more services available to the beverage industry throughout the ǿմý Valley and the province.A new beverage canning line is open at OC’s 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...
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Unusually Good Food is coming home to the community
August 28, 2025
What started as a small idea in a classroom at ǿմý (OC) has grown into something truly unusually good. And now, the team of OC students whose entrepreneurial start-up took off into a legitimate business is giving the enterprise back to the community that made it possible.The Enactus ǿմý team is proud to announce that the Unusually Good Food Company is being licensed to ǿմý Beverage Co., the same team that helped the students bring their juice dreams to life from day one.“This is a full-circle moment, a...
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Former OC prof involved in new documentary
August 25, 2025
B.C. is Burning is a powerful 45-minute documentary, co-produced by former OC business faculty member Rick Maddison.The documentary explores the causes and consequences of British Columbia’s escalating wildfire crisis, and the science-based solutions that could help protect our forests and communities. There is a public screening at the Mary Irwin Theatre, Kelowna – Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.Click here for tickets and more information. ...
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ǿմý Foundation debuts ELEVATE: an ǿմý experience
August 21, 2025
A pair of local legendary chefs will lead two powerhouse teams in a culinary competition at ǿմý’s Kelowna campus this fall, as a new feature event from the ǿմý Foundation will bring a battle of flavours and an evening of sensory delight to campus.Mark your calendars – on Saturday, Oct. 4, Chef Rod Butters and Chef Bernard Casavant will transform the Kelowna campus into a vibrant, first-class piazza for the inaugural ELEVATE — a tantalizing fundraising event that celebrates the region’s culinary and artistic...
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Message from President Neil Fassina
August 19, 2025
To the OC community:It is hard to believe we’re in the last few weeks of August already. Today, as you know, is the first day of our annual Connections conference, a two-day event planned and run by employees for the OC community. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the sessions and during the social at the end of the day, and I especially want to extend thanks to the organizing committee and everyone who is contributing to this year’s Connections. Your efforts are appreciated!At this time of year, I know many OC team membe...
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Welcome day is one week away
August 19, 2025
Welcome Day: Tuesday September 2, 2025Kelowna- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Penticton – 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.Vernon – 10:30 a.m-2:30 p.m.Salmon Arm – 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.The event will be filled with fun, games, music, free food and prizes! Be sure to check out all the booths, where you’ll find information about student support services and community connections.Engage with peers, meet other new students, and get to know your campus!Program sessions will also take place during the event — details about the programs, times, and locations will be po...
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Temporary changes to Kelowna campus bus loop
August 15, 2025
The BC Transit bus loop at ǿմý’s Kelowna campus on K.L.O. Road is being temporarily relocated to accommodate construction activity underway on campus.The work is scheduled to take place between Aug. 18 and Sept. 1 and be completed for the start of the fall semester.During this time, the BC Transit stops for routes #1 and #8 will move to K.L.O. Road between Casorso Road and Campus West Road, in front of the new campus housing building. Note that bus route #12 will not be affected and will continue regular service at its ...
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OC Adult Upgrading instructor helps learners rewrite their futures
August 6, 2025
Some instructors teach math. Sofia Sookochoff teaches students to believe in themselves.For nearly two decades, Sookochoff has been a steady force with ǿմý’s Adult Upgrading program as an educator, but also as a champion of second (or third) chances.“I’ve been a math educator for over 20 years,” said Sookochoff. “Seventeen of those have been with Adult Upgrading at ǿմý. It is so rewarding to support students who are coming back to school — often after years away — and help them move forward.”In her classes,...
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New Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship coming back to BC
July 29, 2025
ǿմý is pleased to announce that Caitlin Hartigan, a former B.C. resident and an experienced and passionate leader in the skilled trades sector, has been named the new Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at ǿմý.Originally from Vancouver Island, Hartigan joins ǿմý from her current position as the Director of Programming & Client Operations at Women Building Futures in Edmonton. Prior to that she was the Dean of Skilled Trades at Northwestern Polytechnic and the Dean of Trades & Heavy Indust...
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