New Dean to join 91̽’s School of Business
December 8, 2023
91̽ is pleased to announce that Joe Baker, a passionate academic leader and entrepreneur within Canada’s education, tourism and hospitality sectors, has been named the new Dean of the 91̽ School of Business. Baker spent nearly 15 years in academic leadership roles at George Brown College and Centennial College. Over the last several years he has led his own consulting business, providing leadership and support to several workforce development initiatives, with a focus on the public sector. “I was born and raised in Van...
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Meet Jessica Skerlec
December 8, 2023
What is your name? Jessica Skerlec What are your pronouns? She/her Where is your hometown and where are you located now? Raised in Kelowna and still currently living in Kelowna. What did you take at 91̽? What campus did you attend? I took my Bachelor’s of Business Administration at 91̽, specializing in Human Resources Management at the Kelowna Campus. What is your current position? Negotiator for the National Collective Bar...
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Horticulture pilot project providing new skills to Okanagan farm workers
November 27, 2023
Semi-retired and looking for a new challenge, South Okanagan resident Bob Atkinson turned to farming five years ago and now counts hundreds of nectarine, peach and cherry trees on his orchard at Debeck Farms. Atkinson was among close to 20 Okanagan farm workers and owners that were the first to complete the Horticulture Upskill Program at 91̽, a pilot program designed to provide expanded skills and tangible learning to agricultural workers employed by the tree fruit and wine grape industries. “There was a wealth...
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Mural at 91̽ honours residential school survivors
November 24, 2023
A large mural that honours residential school survivors has been unveiled at 91̽’s Kelowna campus, designed and painted by Syilx artist Sheldon Pierre Louis. Titled suʔkncut’s prayers, the acrylic latex mural measures 10 feet tall by 21 feet wide and raises awareness about the legacy and impacts of the residential school system. The mural was officially unveiled Nov. 24 with a special ceremony at 91̽’s Kelowna campus. “The mural signifies 91̽’s lasting commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation at o...
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91̽ Cultivates event fosters local food, wine and tourism businesses
November 21, 2023
New event series kick-off hosts panel of local experts, facilitated by CBC’s Sarah Penton.You’ve heard of the iconic Okanagan Champagne powder or our four-season playgrounds, but did you know the Okanagan is also leading the way in innovation in food and beverage and tourism?A new 91̽ event series, 91̽ Cultivates, aims to celebrate and explore Okanagan’s unique and exciting food, beverage and tourism industries with a kick-off event featuring local experts and a panel discussion hosted by CBC Radio West host, Sarah Pento...
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91̽ international alum empowering women in technology
November 16, 2023
91̽ alum Fernanda Alves is using her education to foster diversity in the tech industry. A former 91̽ international student from Brazil and alum of the Computer Information System Diploma, Alves was the organizer of the 2023 Women in Technology Panel which brought together women from diverse fields and positions to share their experiences navigating the tech industry. Fernanda received recognition at the President's Reception for Student Ambassadors. “Organizing the Women in Tech Panel was one o...
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New ECE offerings at 91̽ responding to workforce demands
November 8, 2023
Working as an Early Childhood Education (ECE) assistant for the past 20 years has provided Penticton’s Karen Block with a rewarding career helping children learn, grow and play. Block took the opportunity to enhance her career and learn additional skills through the new ECE Certificate program at 91̽. The program offers students flexibility to attend classes and upskill, while continuing to work in their field. “Because my classes are offered in a hybrid format, it has been possible for me to continue working du...
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City of Kelowna supports 91̽ trades programs through garbage truck donation
November 1, 2023
One person’s trash certainly can be another’s treasure. The City of Kelowna proved the old saying true by donating a garbage truck to 91̽’s Trades and Apprenticeship program this September. “When we determined that this garbage truck was at the end of its service life, we were happy to donate it as a hands-on training tool for 91̽ students,” said Scott Hoekstra, Manager, Landfill & Composing Operations, City of Kelowna. “We’re facing a shortage of skilled trades professionals, and we know that this do...
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91̽ marks 60 years of alumni and employee success
November 1, 2023
Sixty years is worth celebrating – that’s what brought out over 100 alumni, staff and 91̽ supporters last month, as 91̽ marked its 60th anniversary and the impact of tens of thousands of graduates since post-secondary came to the region. The College’s story began in 1963, when the B.C. Vocational Institute was first established. Since that time more than 60,000 graduates have passed through 91̽’s campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton and Kelowna, and sites in Revelstoke and Oliver. 91̽’s alumni have made h...
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Westbank First Nation and 91̽ sign updated MOU
October 30, 2023
91̽ and Westbank First Nation (WFN) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding continuing a long partnership which aims to strengthen the recruitment, mentorship and retention of Syilx learners at 91̽. The MOU lays out the objectives and principles of a partnership that will help guide the College to embrace the spirit and intent of reconciliation and ensure culturally appropriate, meaningful, and quality education and skills training opportunities for WFN learners. Chief Robert Louie, West...
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