Campus Life News  

AI can do more than ever. Should we be excited or cautious?

UBC Okanagan's signature debate series returns to the stage March 1 as experts once again tackle the subject of AI.

While research into artificial intelligence has been going on for decades, it is only in the past few years that AI has become widely available to the general public. And now, it seems like a race to keep up with the rapidly expanding technology.

Some argue that AI is a powerful tool and an evolutionary step in human history--one that can offload routine tasks and allow humans to focus on higher-level problem-solving, empathy and meaningful connection. Others contend that the rapid adoption of AI threatens to erode the foundation of human society, including trust, critical thinking and authentic relationships, potentially eroding skills and taking humanity to a point of no return.

In the seventh of its signature event series, UBC Okanagan Debates, the topic of AI will again be front and centre as four experts will take to the stage to discuss whether AI can enhance or diminish the human experience.

AI was the topic of the first debate hosted by UBC Okanagan in May 2023. Since then, UBCO has presented debates about masculinity, the environment and Canada's ever-changing relationship with the United States.

"Building on this success, I am pleased to say the seventh instalment of the UBC Okanagan Debates returns to a topic we first explored--artificial intelligence--as it continues to raise important questions about its impact on the human experience," says Marten Youssef, UBCO's Associate Vice-President of University Relations. "At the heart of our next debate is a critical question: Is AI enhancing the human experience, or diminishing it?"

On Sunday, March 1, Dr. Ying Zhu, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Management and UBCO's Academic Advisor for Artificial Intelligence, will argue that AI is here to help and will enhance the human experience. Debating on the same side will be Dr. Bülent Uyaniker, Founder of DataSpeckle.

Arguing that AI will diminish the human experience will be UBCO's Dr. Madeleine Ransom, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Canada Research Chair in AI, Wellbeing and Ethics. She will be joined by local marketing strategist and AI advisor Rob Cupello.

UBCO Principal Dr. Lesley Cormack will host the event and says the debate series provides a platform that encourages thoughtful and respectful dialogue on issues that impact society.

"Artificial intelligence invites us to reflect on what we consider meaningful, human and essential," she says. "Bringing these perspectives into open debate helps ensure that technological change serves our values rather than steering them."

UBC Okanagan Debates takes place Sunday, March 1, at the Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St., at 3 pm. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. To learn more about the debaters and to register, visit: ok.ubc.ca/debates

The post AI can do more than ever. Should we be excited or cautious? appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

“Me7 elkstwécw-kt – We will work in partnership”

Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Okanagan College sign historic House of Learning Partnership 

Kukpi7s, Elders and community members from the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council held ceremony with Okanagan College on Feb. 4 in Secwepemcúl’ecw – at the College’s Salmon Arm campus – pledging Me7 elkstwécw-kt – to work in partnership – to better future generations.

With traditional drumming and smudging taking place, leaders from the two organizations signed a unique House of Learning Partnership Agreement declaring Me7 melkwilc-kt, Me7 sequtstwécw-kt, elkstwécw-kt kitsetwecw r cucwell-kt – we will come together, walking side by side, working together, paths joining

“This partnership is an important step toward economic reconciliation in action,” said Tribal Kukpi7 Darrel Draney. “By working collaboratively with the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and Okanagan College, we are investing in Indigenous talent, supporting community-driven growth, and creating real opportunities for learners and future leaders. Together, we are demonstrating what it looks like when business, education, and Indigenous governance move forward in true partnership.”

Signed by Tribal Kukpi7 Draney, nine Kukpi7s from Secwépemc Nation Bands and the President of Okanagan College, the House of Learning Partnership Agreement states Me7 kitsete t’he7e me7 tsilmes r stem es knucwékse7te xwexwéyt r qelmúcw ne7élye te’ wu7éc es secweminte xwexwéyt r tseken te stem r w7ec ne tmicw – we will make decisions that benefit future generations and respect the sacredness of the connections to the land and all living things around us.

Believed to be one of the first post-secondary partnerships to be developed in traditional Indigenous language, the agreement was developed in Secwepemctsín and translated into English by Elder Lucy William of the Adams Lake Band.

Me7 kitsete t’he7e me7 tsilmes r stem es knucwékse7te xwexwéyt r qelmúcw ne7élye te’ wu7éc es secweminte xwexwéyt r tseken te stem r w7ec ne tmicw – we will make decisions that benefit future generations and respect the sacredness of the connections to the land and all living things around us, the agreement states.

“I’m proud of the relationship we have with the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and the work that is underway between us as we commit to walk this journey together, to create better learning opportunities for students,” said Rhea Dupuis, OC’s Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This historic agreement will allow us to continue to deepen our relationship and move forward in a good way, taking guidance from Indigenous ways of knowing.”

Prior to the signing, leaders from both organizations exchanged a commitment symbol – an eagle feather – which will be framed along with the agreement and words of learning of what the commitment symbol signifies.

“An eagle feather symbolizes a profound spiritual connection to the Creator, representing honour, courage, wisdom and truth, serving as a messenger between the individual and the Creator, where prayers are carried and blessing returned, making it one of the highest honours to receive in many First Nation cultures, requiring respect and careful handing,” stated Secwépemc Elders Henry Gott and Debbie Sampson in a written submission on the significance of the eagle feather exchange.

The agreement goes on to state Me7 xyestwecw-kt ell r kw’seltktnéws-kt – we will honour each other and our relationships, and Me7 xyestém teks lexléxs – we will honour that knowledge is sacred.

Shuswap Nation Tribal Council of Chiefs Tribal Kukpi7 Darrel Draney along with Kukpi7 Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief of the Adams Lake Band, Kukpi7 Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, Kukpi7 Irvin Wai of the Neskonlith Indian Band, Kukpi7 Barbara Cote of the Shuswap Band, Kukpi7 George Lampreau of the Simpcw First Nation, Kukpi7 Eddy Jules of the Skeetchestn Indian Band, Kukpi7 Edna Felix of Splatsin, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and Kukpi7 Sunny Lebourdais of Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band are signatories to the agreement.

OC President Dr. Neil Fassina signed the agreement on behalf of Okanagan College.

“This agreement is really about honour and respect and walking together with the Secwépemc Nation whose people have been here since time immemorial,” said Dr. Fassina “We need to take our guidance from the immense knowledge Indigenous leaders provide us with. As we move forward and work towards the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation report, embracing Indigenous ways of being is critical. I want to thank the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council for working with us to move forward in a good way.”

The House of Learning Partnership Agreement also lays out the goals that will guide Okanagan College moving forward. See the backgrounder below for the goals.

Gateway to Trades students mark program completion at Okanagan College

Students in Okanagan College’s Gateway to Trades program celebrated the completion of their studies during a graduation ceremony held Jan. 23, marking a milestone in their educational journeys.

Gateway to Trades is a partnership between Okanagan College and the Central Okanagan School District that introduces students in Grades 10 to 12 to post-secondary education through hands-on training in skilled trades, including carpentry, electrical, automotive and sheet metal. The program is aimed at students who may not otherwise see post-secondary education as accessible.

“In addition to academic development, Gateway to Trades focuses on students’ holistic growth by supporting youth participation in community and social activities,” said Rob Law of the Central Okanagan School District.

Throughout the program, students complete a range of practical projects designed to build technical skills and confidence while exposing them to different career pathways in the trades. Instructor Travis Neigum said the hands-on approach allows students to explore their interests and take pride in their work.

As part of the ceremony, students shared vision boards outlining their future goals. One note, written by student MaKenzie Norman, read: “For my future, I envision stability and self-sufficiency. With a good career and work ethic, nothing is out of reach.”

Norman said the program changed her perspective on potential career options. “At first, I was skeptical that trades could be a path for me,” she said. “But with the support from my instructors, I felt encouraged to try. Gateway to Trades showed me that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

The Gateway to Trades program is supported in part by Okanagan College Foundation, whose donors help expand access to education and hands-on learning opportunities for students exploring careers in the skilled trades.

Support in scholarships and program support for this year’s class was provided by Dr. Steve and Terry Tuck; Rotary Club of Kelowna Foundation; Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller (Okanagan Commandery); Colin & Lois Pritchard Foundation; the Gary Bennett Family Fund; Wilden Legacy Fund and KGH Foundation, as well as other supporters.

More information about Okanagan College’s trades and apprenticeship programs is available at https://www.okanagancollege.ca/trades-and-apprenticeship.

TogetHER brings business leaders together to drive innovation across the Okanagan

Okanagan College and WeBC are launching TogetHER, a new leadership and growth initiative designed to bring self-identifying women business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs together to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the Okanagan.

“Okanagan College is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for women in every part of our economy — from skilled trades to innovation and enterprise,” said Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College, Caitlin Hartigan.  “TogetHER creates space for women-led businesses to connect, share expertise and build partnerships that can help support long-term success.”

Women-owned businesses continue to play an increasingly important role in the Canadian economy. Statistics Canada data show that nearly one in five private-sector businesses in Canada are now majority owned by women, reflecting steady growth over the past several years. Women-owned businesses are also more likely to have women in senior leadership roles, highlighting the impact women continue to make as business leaders nationwide.

TogetHER builds on this momentum locally by creating opportunities for women working in the skilled trades, science, engineering and technology, as well as food, beverage and tourism, to come together, share knowledge and explore new approaches for growth. The initiative strengthens connections between education, industry and community while addressing the evolving needs of women-led small and medium-sized enterprises.

On February 18, TogetHER will host the first of three weekly online innovation exchanges. Each innovation exchange will be co-led by an industry leader and an Okanagan College representative and will function as a learning collaborative, bringing women business leaders together to share experiences, explore solutions and build networks.

Topics will include innovation, access to funding, leadership journeys, learning from failure, procurement opportunities and strategies for navigating change.

The initiative will culminate with a two-day TogetHER Women’s Leadership Summit on March 5 and 6 at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus. The summit will feature sector-based breakout sessions, panel discussions and a hands-on workshop focused on building strategic alliances for women-led businesses.

“Our work with WeBC through the Growing Women Entrepreneurs project in 2025 highlighted the value of peer mentorship and networks in helping women thrive in the beverage and construction sectors,” explained Hartigan. “TogetHER builds on that foundation, expanding these connections into broader leadership, innovation and strategic alliance conversations across the Okanagan.” 

“We know that access to strong networks, mentorship and practical support is critical for women entrepreneurs,” said WeBC CEO, Shauna Harper. “Partnerships like TogetHER help create those connections at a regional level, supporting women-led businesses while strengthening local economies.” 

Women business owners, employers and community partners are invited to participate by enrolling in innovation exchanges, attending the summit or engaging in mentorship activities. Visit okanagancollege.ca/together-innovation-exchange to learn more. 

TogetHER is made possible with support from the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.

OC Speaker Series: Unpacking the climate cost of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Time-restricted eating shows promise for overweight people living with Crohn's

A new study has determined that intermittent fasting can help people with Crohn's disease who are overweight.

Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet trend. But new research from a collaboration between UBC Okanagan and the University of Calgary has determined it can also have health benefits for people living with Crohn's disease who are overweight.

Dr. Natasha Haskey is a registered dietitian and clinical researcher within the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science’s Department of Biology. She recently co-authored a study examining how overweight people with Crohn's fared when they fasted for 16 hours a day but consumed their usual diet during the remaining eight hours of that day.

It was the first randomized controlled trial to examine intermittent fasting for people with Crohn's, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

"We wanted to see whether eating within a set time window each day could help this particular group of people," explains Dr. Haskey. "We were curious whether this way of eating could improve symptoms, reduce visceral fat, which is fat around the organs, lower inflammation and support a healthier gut. And our preliminary research suggests it does."

Crohn's disease is often complicated by excess visceral fat, which is linked to increased inflammation, reduced response to biologic therapies and higher rates of surgical complications. Despite this, lifestyle strategies that specifically address the accumulation of body fat and metabolic dysfunction have been understudied for people with Crohn's.

Dr. Maitreyi Raman, a gastroenterologist and associate professor at the University of Calgary, is the principal investigator and co-author of the study.

"Crohn's disease reflects a chronic imbalance in the body's immune responses," says Dr. Raman. "We're beginning to see how metabolic health, gut microbes and immune pathways interact--and how eating patterns may help restore that balance."

The study, published recently in Gastroenterology, shows promising results, adds Dr. Raman. The participants who tried intermittent fasting noticed a significant decrease in their body mass index, while those who did not fast, maintained or increased their body mass.

Notably, these changes occurred while both groups consumed the same number of daily calories and similar foods. Those who fasted also reported a reduction in their symptoms--a 40 per cent drop in stool frequency and a 50 per cent reduction in abdominal discomfort.

"The people who fasted lost weight and visceral fat, showed signs not only in clinical disease improvement but also reduced inflammation," says Dr. Raman. "Importantly, these changes occurred without making any dietary changes. The only change they made was when they ate.”

In addition to feeling better, people in the intermittent fasting group showed important improvements in their metabolism. Proteins released from fat tissue--which help control metabolism, appetite, and heart and immune health--shifted in a healthier direction. In a subgroup, deep visceral fat also went down, while it actually increased in those who did not fast.

"These findings suggest that intermittent fasting group might help reduce symptoms, support weight loss and improve overall health in people with Crohn's," says Dr. Haskey. "Intermittent fasting won't replace medication, and it's not a cure, but it may be a useful, low-cost and accessible tool for those who are overweight and living with Crohn's disease, along with other treatments. More research is needed, but the results look promising."

The study was supported by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation through a Litwin IBD Pioneers Grant and the Inflammation, Microbiome, and Alimentation: Gastro-Intestinal and Neuropsychiatric Effects Chronic Disease Network.

The post Time-restricted eating shows promise for overweight people living with Crohn's appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

Skills Regionals competitions to take place at Okanagan College

Later this month, it might look like OC’s Kelowna campus has been taken over by middle and high school students.

The 2026 Skills B.C. Regional Trades and Technologies competitions are expected to see more than 200 middle and high school students at Okanagan College on Feb. 20, competing in a wide variety of competitions, ranging from cabinetmaking to automotive services, and welding to culinary – with many more in between.

Expanded sessions for this year include animation, public speaking, junior skills sumo robots and IT office services.

Okanagan College has been the only Southern Interior competition site for the annual Skills Regionals for more than two decades, bringing teenaged students onto campus to explore potential post-secondary options and careers, all while competing against their peers, with a chance to advance to provincial and national competitions.

"These competitions encourage young people to explore the trades and discover their full potential,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “It’s inspiring to see students showcase their skills and confidence from such a young age. When youth step into the trades, they open doors to new possibilities for themselves and for our province to thrive.”

The competitions are open to the public to observe and are focused on introducing younger students to a range of career options and feeding the growing demands for skilled workers in the province.

“There is a high demand for skilled trades professionals and technologists across several industries in our region and across B.C.,” said Dr. Samantha Lenci, OC Provost and Vice President Academic. “Events like this one are valuable because they give students opportunities to explore and gain skills for the competition, and then to attend our college campus, where they can start to think about their next steps in education and their career. Skills Regionals is a place where students get that first spark of inspiration — that excitement — that motivates them to think about future jobs.”

The competitions are open to students within the Central Okanagan school districts, an area that ranges from Revelstoke to Osoyoos.

The 41st annual civil engineering-inspired Spaghetti Bridge Building contest will also be a part of the event, with students participating in three categories: Grade 6-9 team building, Grade 10-12 team building, and heavyweight competition.

"Welcoming students to our campus for the Skills Regional competitions is always a highlight for us,” said Caitlin Hartigan, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship. “These competitions give students the chance to explore their strengths, build confidence and see what’s possible for their future. We are committed to fostering professional growth by immersing students in real-world challenges, ensuring they have the supportive environment and hands-on experience needed to bridge the gap between the classroom and their future careers.”

Medalists won’t have to wait long to showcase their skills. The Skills Canada province-wide contest will be held in Abbotsford, with winners moving on to the national Skills Canada event that takes place in Toronto this May.

The event is made possible with the support of Okanagan College sponsors, including Allnorth Consultants Limited, Faction Projects and FortisBC. The competitions begin at 10 a.m.

View the event photo gallery on Flickr.

For more information, visit the Skills Canada BC website.

Supporting those who care for us: A donor’s legacy in the South Okanagan

When former nurse Teri McGrath describes her support for Practical Nursing students at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus, she speaks with warm conviction. McGrath has become a quiet but extraordinary force behind the success of local nursing students, supporting their education through her Hands On Nursing Bursary.

Each year, she provides second-year students with a heartfelt gift that goes directly toward their tuition. It’s a gesture that says, ‘I see your effort, I believe in you, and our community needs you.’

For McGrath, this generosity comes from a deep belief in the essential role nurses play in the region’s health and well-being.

“Nurses are there at the hardest and happiest moments of people’s lives,” she said. “If I can help even one student feel confident enough to keep going, then that matters.”

Her generosity resonates deeply at a time when nursing careers are in demand, especially in the Interior. According to a recent province-wide study by BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), about two-thirds of nursing vacancies are located in B.C.’s Interior and Island regions. Nursing shortages remain among the most urgent challenges facing seniors’ care and long-term care sectors in 2025, especially in rural communities.

Meanwhile, demographic shifts are putting increasing pressure on the system. According to the most recent labour-market outlook, B.C.’s population is aging fast: the share of people aged 65 and older (compared to those 15–64) is expected to climb sharply.

“This support from Teri is a great example of our donour community,” OC Foundation Director Helen Jackman. “This type of donation helps remove financial barriers for aspiring nurses, gives them a boost of encouragement during a demanding program and helps ensure that more graduates stay in the region, where they are desperately needed.”

That’s why her bursary is more than just a gift. Every student she supports will touch thousands of lives. It’s a long-term investment in community health, creating ripples that will be felt for decades.

“My hope is that more donors will join me in supporting the nursing program and, in doing so, help strengthen the profession itself,” said McGrath. “By supporting the Hands On Nursing Bursary, we can increase the amount available to each second-year student and ease the cost of their education.”

As long as there are people willing to learn and care, and donors like Teri McGrath willing to give, there is real hope for brighter, healthier communities across the Okanagan.

“When nurses learn and train here, they build roots here. And when they stay, our whole community benefits. Supporting their journey is really supporting the health of our region.” 

New map of the Milky Way's magnetism offers insights into cosmic evolution

Rebecca Booth, Dr. Anna Ordog and Dr. Alex Hill with the DRAO 15m telescope behind them. Photo courtesy of the National Research Council of Canada/Conseil National de Recherches Canada.

A UBC Okanagan-led research project has given a group of international scientists their clearest view yet of the Milky Way's magnetic field, revealing that it is far more complex than previously believed.

Dr. Alex Hill, Assistant Professor in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBCO, specializes in radio astronomy. Working at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO), near Penticton, his team used data from the DRAO 15-metre telescope to complete the first broadband map of Faraday rotation, a phenomenon that scientists use to track magnetic fields across the northern sky.

The dataset, known as Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory GMIMS of the northern sky (DRAGONS) and led by former UBCO postdoctoral researcher Dr. Anna Ordog, captures polarized radio emissions across a wide range of frequencies, allowing astronomers to see magnetic structures that were previously invisible. This research is part of a larger initiative called the Global Magneto-Ionic Medium Survey (GMIMS), initiated by Dr. Tom Landecker, an astronomer at DRAO and adjunct professor at both UBCO and the University of Calgary.

"With our new dataset, we can look at the polarized emissions from within the galaxy itself, and we see that the magnetic field has a lot of structure to it," Dr. Ordog explains. "DRAGONS is the first to show this level of complexity on such large spatial scales and across the entire northern sky."

The work builds on a theoretical insight first proposed in 1966, which showed that polarized radio waves observed at many frequencies enable measurements of the three-dimensional structure of the Milky Way's magnetic field. At the time, the technology needed to observe this effect across wide frequency ranges did not exist. Modern broadband telescopes, including the DRAO 15m telescope, have made this research possible.

The project was the first scientific use of the 15m telescope, which DRAO originally built as a prototype antenna for the SKA--a large radio telescope currently under construction in Southern Africa and Western Australia. Dr. Ordog led the setup for the DRAGONS project, supported by five students from UBCO and the University of Calgary, along with the expertise of DRAO engineers and technologists.

"The 15m is the ideal instrument for this all-sky survey of large-scale magnetized structures--it can scan rapidly, effectively ‘painting’ a map of the polarized sky in just six months," she says. "Having the 15m so close to UBCO allowed students to contribute to hands-on testing in preparation for the survey."

UBCO students analyzed “first light” signals from the instrument, developed algorithms to identify human-made radio interference and assessed the survey data quality.

The study, recently published in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, tracks how polarized radio waves twist as they travel through the galaxy, revealing the strength, structure and direction of magnetic fields along the line of sight. This survey shows that more than half the sky contains complex magnetic structures rather than simple, uniform fields.

Dr. Landecker says the biggest surprise for the researchers was just how much of the sky is what is known as “Faraday complex”.

"With our new dataset, we can look at the polarized emission from within the galaxy itself, and we can see that the magnetic field has much more structure to it than we could detect with earlier observation methods," says Dr. Landecker, who is also the leader of a larger effort to map magnetic fields in three dimensions and an astronomer emeritus at DRAO.

"DRAGONS is like a compass, telling us how matter and magnetic fields in the galaxy are organized and how the magnetic field interacts with bubbles created by supernova explosions, spiral arms and other parts of the galaxy in ways that have never been possible before."

Magnetic fields shape how stars are formed and how galaxies evolve, explains Dr. Hill.

"For decades, we could only measure the Milky Way's magnetic field in a very averaged, simplified way," says Dr. Hill. "But its magnetic field is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding how the universe and everything in it operates and came into being."

Already, the DRAGONS data have been used in a study of the mysterious large-scale reversal in the galactic magnetic field. This latest study was led by University of Calgary doctoral student Rebecca Booth and published in an accompanying paper in The Astrophysical Journal this week. This is a good example of how the dataset will provide opportunities for continued research in this field, says Dr. Ordog.

"DRAGONS is part of a new generation of radio surveys that allow scientists to map the Milky Way's three-dimensional magnetic field structure in the space between the stars," she adds. "It is an important Canadian contribution to the global astronomical community."

The DRAO 15m telescope at work scanning the sky for the DRAGONS survey. The data collected by this survey is a new generation of radio surveys that allow scientists to continue mapping the Milky Way and its three-dimensional magnetic field structure. Photo courtesy of Luca Galler.

The post New map of the Milky Way's magnetism offers insights into cosmic evolution appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

Okanagan College Careers Expo returns Feb. 4, connecting students to real career opportunities

Okanagan College (OC) will bring students, alumni and employers together for its annual Careers Expo and Employment Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Kelowna campus — creating direct connections between learning and employment at a critical moment for the region’s workforce.

The first time Clayon Williams attended Okanagan College’s Careers Expo, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“My first Careers Expo, I was shy and nervous,” said Williams, an OC alumnus and graduate from the Communications, Culture and Journalism program. “There were so many employers and opportunities — it was a lot to take in.”

That initial step turned into something much bigger. With support from OC’s Careers Hub team, Williams learned how to turn conversations into meaningful connections with confidence. He later returned to the Expo as a student volunteer, building relationships with employers that led to multiple job offers — including an out-of-province opportunity.

“It’s all about putting yourself out there,” he said. “The Careers Expo really helped me grow my confidence and create opportunities.”

"Careers that begin in the arts and social sciences everywhere in our region," said Dean of Arts and Foundational Programs at Okanagan College, Judith Anderson. "Our wide-ranging programming in communications, economics, philosophy, psychology, sociology — just to name a few — prepares students with the critical thinking, research, writing and communications skills that employers are looking for. At the OC Careers Expo, students can see how those skills translate into meaningful work with municipalities, the health authority, community organizations and businesses across the Okanagan."

“Our students don’t just learn business — they build it, alongside the entrepreneurs who power this region,” said Dean of Okanagan College’s School of Business, Joe Baker. “We’re committed to practical, hands-on training and we can’t wait to see the employers and opportunities coming to our Careers Expo.”

The Careers Expo offers OC students and alumni the opportunity to meet employers face to face, explore career pathways, learn about Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, seasonal jobs, and new graduate positions across a wide range of sectors.

“Experiences like Clayon’s are exactly what the Careers Expo is about,” said Dean of Community Engagement and Careers, Alison Gibson. “We help students connect to learning opportunities in the workplace and develop their skills to create meaningful careers. By bringing employers onto campus, we’re creating space for students and alumni to ask questions, build confidence and take the next step toward their future careers.”

The event is presented by the OC Careers Hub, which supports students and alumni as they navigate career decisions, working with employers to strengthen their student talent pipeline. The Careers Hub team offers career skills workshops, WIL information and opportunities, other job postings and access to tools and resources through the Careers Hub app, available to OC students, alumni and employers.

The Expo takes place as British Columbia’s latest Labour Market Outlook forecasts continued demand for skilled workers, with 77 per cent of future job openings over the next decade requiring post-secondary education and almost 40 per cent of those jobs requiring College or apprenticeship training.

“For employers, it’s a chance to meet motivated, career-ready learners who bring fresh perspectives and practical skills,” Gibson said. “For students and alumni, it’s an opportunity to explore WIL and other job opportunities and translate their learning into valuable connections that can shape their careers.”

Employers attending the Careers Expo represent health care, business, trades, technology, community services, construction, food and tourism sectors. OC staff will also be on hand to support students with career conversations and next-step planning.

“At Okanagan College, career preparation is built into the student experience, and the Careers Expo is a great example of how we connect learning to future employment,” said OC President Dr. Neil Fassina. “When you come to Okanagan College, your education prepares you to step right into the workforce. This is what we do. Students get real-world training and a connection to industry that supports both students and the region in which we operate.”

The Careers Expo is open to OC students and alumni and is free to attend.

Event details:
Okanagan College Careers Expo and Employment Fair
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Centre for Learning (E Building) Atrium
Okanagan College Kelowna campus, 1000 KLO Rd.

For more information, visit okanagancollege.ca/careers-expo.