OCNews

When Omar Tamayo moved his family from Mexico to Penticton to pursue a Diploma in Sustainable Building Technology (SBT) at Okanagan College, he not only found a cutting-edge program, but a welcoming community and a great new job at OC after graduation.

“Okanagan College's SBT program is highly relevant and offered excellent growth potential for my career,” said Omar. “The program is very comprehensive in the technical aspects and considers the social, environmental and business aspects. It provided me with the necessary tools and skills for my work and my professional development.”

The SBT program is hosting its annual Capstone Showcase on Mar. 28, 5 from 7 p.m. at the Penticton Campus to highlight the sustainable projects completed by OC students in their final year of the Sustainable Building Technology program.

Community members are invited to attend the showcase and to join faculty, students, alumni and industry partners in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program, a unique offering at the Penticton campus and one of only a few similar programs available across Canada.

Okanagan College Dean of Science and Technology, Halia Valladares says the program provides students with hands-on learning experiences in a field that is in need of new workers.

“These projects are integral to the development of sustainable building practices in the region,” she said. “Students work with local government, utility companies, nonprofit organizations and industry partners to tackle real issues present in the building sector and built environment.”

Collaborating with industry partners allows students to get hands on experience that they can bring to their careers.

For Tamayo, the skills he learned during his time at OC led to him joining the college as an employee.

“I was offered a fantastic opportunity to work as a Business Development Advisor with the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus,” he said.

“I am extremely grateful for the chance to contribute towards the betterment of the institution, students and the community. Being a part of the staff at the campus, I thoroughly enjoy my time here. The faculty at OC are so supportive and are such a key part of how the College prepares you to start working. Additionally, the Penticton campus and its surrounding community and environment are absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend OC: the opportunities it opens up for you are life-changing.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the SBT Capstone Project Showcase, to register visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/oc-sustainable-building-technology-capstone…

To learn more about the Sustainable Building Technology Program at OC, visit okanagan.bc.ca/sustainable-building-technology-diploma.