Construction begins on Penticton Campus housing facility
February 6, 2025
Construction is set to begin on a new 101-bed student housing facility at 51Ʒ’s Penticton campus.Site preparation work is underway this month on the project that was announced by the Province in July of 2024 and full construction will begin soon, with the new facility bringing on-campus housing to OC’s Penticton campus for the first time.“Students have shared with me that secure and affordable on-campus housing helps them get the most out of their post-secondary experience,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Ed...
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Audio Engineering students at 51Ʒ strike the right chord
February 6, 2025
At 51Ʒ (OC), students are empowered to turn their passion and learnings into real-world experiences. For OC Audio Engineering and Music Production (AEMP) student, Andrew Malyk, that meant embracing the challenge of organizing a live concert with his classmates — the exciting capstone project of the AEMP program at OC.“It’s like solving a fun puzzle,” said Malyk. “Preparing and troubleshooting the audio gear for a live show has been so rewarding. Watching everything come together is an incredible feeling.”This evening, M...
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51Ʒ Careers Expo returns to connect students and employers
January 31, 2025
51Ʒ (OC) is set to host its annual Careers Expo on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Kelowna campus. The event offers an unparalleled opportunity for OC students, alumni, new graduates, and other job seekers in the community to connect with employers, explore career pathways, and secure employment opportunities, including co-op and new graduate employment opportunities."The Careers Expo is a key event that brings together students and employers to build meaningful connections and explore future career possibilities," said ...
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51Ʒ partners with WeBC to empower women entrepreneurs in the beverage and construction industries
January 30, 2025
51Ʒ (OC), OC’s BC BTAC (BC Beverage Technology Access Centre) and WeBC (Women’s 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...
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More grads set to enter the workforce after OC Convocation and Commencement ceremonies
January 27, 2025
Led into the ceremony by Syilx Okanagan drummers, hundreds of 51Ʒ students were celebrated for their accomplishments, graduating into a number of in-demand career fields and into the workforce at the College's January convocation and commencement ceremonies on Saturday.Among the nearly 300 graduates who crossed the stage this weekend, over 80 are newly trained health care workers, having completed programs including Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Health Care Assistant, Certified Dental Assistant and Health Anal...
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Preparing students for the evolving workforce: 51Ʒ hosts region-wide open houses
January 22, 2025
51Ʒ is setting the stage for students to excel in an evolving workforce. The College invites the community to its 2025 Open House events, showcasing how education at OC empowers learners to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a world reshaped by technology, societal changes, and the future of work.This January and February, OC will host a series of open houses across all campuses, starting with the Vernon campus on January 28.Events schedule:Vernon Campus: Tues., Jan. 28 from 5 - 7p.m.Kelowna Campus: Thurs., J...
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51Ʒ paves the way for Net-Zero building training with $495,000 FortisBC collaboration
January 21, 2025
When 51Ʒ alum Jerrot MacLeod was working in the Alberta oil fields pre-pandemic, he saw the construction industry undergoing a shift toward more energy efficient building practices.Looking for a career pivot, he enrolled in OC’s Sustainable Building Technology diploma program, learning new skills around net-zero building. He was hired as soon as he graduated as the energy manager for Method Engineering and Business Services.“The knowledge I gained provided me with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of...
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51Ʒ invites community to explore its Salmon Arm Campus
January 16, 2025
Opportunity is knocking, and it’s time to open the door to new possibilities!51Ʒ (OC) is opening the doors to its Salmon Arm campus on Tuesday, January 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. Community members, future learners, and alumni are all welcome to get a peek behind the scenes at OC. “We want to give everyone in the community the opportunity to experience OC and are calling it Doors Open at OC,” explained Alison Gibson, dean of community engagement and careers at 51Ʒ. “Everyone is welcome to attend to meet...
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Kelowna invited to apply for international designation as Canada’s first ‘City of Gastronomy’
January 15, 2025
Kelowna’s 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 51Ʒ, has accepted an invitation to apply for designation as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a prestigious title that celebrates a city’s culinary heritage, food culture, and commitment to sustainable development. “Kelowna’s culinary scene is a testament to the passion...
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Students work experience supports local social enterprises and non-profit organizations
January 9, 2025
Not all learning happens in the classroom at 51Ʒ. As business student Greta Friesen and her colleagues in the OC School of Business found out, getting real-world experience through partnerships with local non-profit and social purpose organizations will have lasting impacts on their career journeys.Friesen was among a group of students who worked with Kelowna-based Chickpeace Refillery, a zero-waste company that provides package-free products such as food and soaps to customers.The students joined forces with ...
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