New tech program at OC

Photo: Okanagan College

A new program at Okanagan College is allowing South Okanagan students to pull back the curtains on the electronic devices they use every day and learn about the technologies that makes them tick.

The provincially-funded Gateway to Technology pilot project is equipping 16 Penticton students in grades 10 – 12 with an enhanced understanding of how various technologies function.

“This generation was born and raised in tech. Their dream job will include innovations that we haven’t yet thought of. Tech today is all around us. It’s in our phones, electric cars and it runs the networks that get the latest clothes to your door from anywhere in the world,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

The Penticton Secondary and Princess Margaret Secondary School students are attending two evening classes each week at the Penticton Okanagan College campus.

The program runs through mid-June and trains students on computers and career skills for entry-level IT jobs. The training is divided into two sections – information technology essentials and programming – and combines lecture with hands-on lab learning.

“There are not many high school programs out there right now that give much exposure to these technical topics,” says Troy Berg, professor of network and telecommunications engineering technology at Okanagan College. “With the creation of this course, we’re looking to inspire students to consider educational opportunities in the technical fields by giving them exposure now.”

The students enrolled in the program have each displayed a passion in technology or computer science as a career path, and so far, feedback has been fantastic.

“The students are enthusiastic about what they are learning and I’ve also been contacted by others interested in applying for future programs,” said Trevor Knowlton, careers and apprenticeship coordinator for School District 67.