Okanagan College, Kelowna, Canada

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

Established in 1906 at Summerland, Okanagan College was the first college to be opened in British Columbia. The name of the college had been changed to Okanagan University College (OUC) in 1995. However, the older name of Okanagan College was brought back in 2005 when OUC had been divided into two parts - UBC (University of British Columbia) and OC (Okanagan College). ACBSP accreditation certified that the teaching and learning processes within the School of Business at Okanagan College meet the rigorous educational standards which are established by ACBSP. According to 2018 Canadian University ranking (UniRank) it is ranked #82 in Canada. And according to 2018 international University ranking (UniRank) it is ranked #4675 in the world.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

Okanagan College is situated in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. The college has  four main campuses located in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm.  The Trades Complex was renovated and expanded at the Kelowna Campus. The complex was built in September 2016 and it had achieved LEED Platinum Standards. It received awards for its sustainable architectural design. In 2009, the Centre of Excellence had opened its doors at the campus in Kelowna. It is a LEED Gold certified building. Okanagan is famous for its Sustainable Construction Management Technology (SCMT) Program. The college provides various programmes in apprenticeship, trades, vocational training, continuing education and academic courses. Okanagan also has programmes in University Science and Arts, health, technology and adult basic and special education. The programmes that have been of special interest to foreign students are English as Second Language Training, Four-year Degree Programmes in Computer Information and Business and Trades and Vocational Programmes. 

Accomplishments & Alumni

Okanagan College together with the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), the City of Kelowna and a few other government and industry partners plan to explore ways to collaborate on advancing affordable building efficiency in the Okanagan. Mohawk College, in Hamilton, ON, and Okanagan College in B.C's have signed an MoU to enable cross-Canada opportunities for training, internships and research and education.

Notable alumni of Okanagan College include Canadian Poet Shane Koyczan, Member of the Canadian House of Commons Dan Albas, Author and Educator Robyn Bourgeois, Canadian Curler Kevin Folk, Politician Todd Keller and Politician Norah Bowman.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

Approximately 20,000 students come to Okanagan College every year, including more than 8,500  full-time equivalent students taking programmes from trades to technical certifications and university transfer courses across all the campuses. The college mentions that 94% of Baccalaureate graduates are employed and 89% of apprenticeship grads are working.  The average class size at Okanagan College is 19. 

The student services division also takes care of providing career guidance and counselling as well as organizes career fairs to bring employers and students together. Companies visiting for recruitment and internships include Battle River School Division, GlobalData Plc, Destination Nanny ECE and many more.