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Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus was the site for a Government of BC announcement today.
Premier David Eby and other officials were on hand to announce local details around the Look West strategy that was launched by the Province in the fall.
BC is adding 5,000 trades training seats across the province in 2026-27 and 256 of those will come at Okanagan College (OC).
“We are ensuring young people can build a good life here in the Okanagan and across the province," Eby said. "By boosting skilled-trades training, we're making sure British Columbians are first in line for jobs and career opportunities ahead."
Photo Credit: Government of BC
Premier David Eby at a previous announcement regarding training for in-demand skilled trades jobs in BC.
According to the Province, expanding skilled-trades training capacity will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs.
That means introducing more young people to careers in industries like construction and housing, critical minerals, automotive, manufacturing and clean energy.
"As the second-largest public trades training institution in the province, at OC we know that investments in trades programs are investments in people and the long-term strength of our economy,” noted OC president Neil Fassina.
Another thing this announcement will support in Kelowna is the city’s role as a growing aerospace hub, the third largest in the province as home to around 18% of BC’s aerospace companies.
“The sector relies on skilled-trades workers such as sheet-metal mechanics, welders and electricians,” a news release explains. “These occupations are also in demand across construction, maritime and natural-resource industries.”
A new partnership between OC and the BPL Legacy Foundation, led by KF Aerospace founder Barry Lapointe, is enabling the construction of a new aerospace training facility.
Once complete, the school’s aircraft maintenance-engineer program will be able to expand from 64 to 114 students per year.
For more information on BC’s Look West strategy, click this link.
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