As demand for aerospace professionals in Canada grows, the Okanagan is poised to be at the forefront.
The BPL Legacy Association (owners of the KF Centre for Excellence) announced a joint initiative with Okanagan College that will see a new $22 million facility constructed at the Kelowna airport, purpose-built to expand local education and training programs aligned to the aerospace industry needs.
The modern 42,000 square foot teaching facility will include workshops, classrooms, and a hangar space to accommodate all three (current and future) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programs. Once complete, it will allow Okanagan College to expand its AME programs from its current capacity of 30 students to 140 students per year by 2028.
"Aviation has always been my passion. My goal has always been to inspire and prepare the next generation of aerospace professionals right here in the Okanagan. By expanding training opportunities through Okanagan College, we're investing in people, our community, and Canada's future in flight," says Barry Lapointe, Founder & Chair, BPL Legacy Association.
The new facility will be located beside the KF Centre for Excellence, built by the BPL Legacy Association in 2022, and will add 42,000 square feet to the Association's current YLW footprint. Construction on the new building is expected to start in spring 2026 and be completed for students by September 2027.
"Hands on, industry-driven education and training is what OC is known for," says Dr. Neil Fassina, Okanagan College president. "By working together with the KF Centre for Excellence, we can provide an incredible learning opportunity for students to gain relevant skills and experience, while at the same time support a sector that is critically important across the country."
Last year, Canada's aerospace sector contributed $34 billion to the Canadian economy and supported more than 225,000 jobs nation-wide, and experts say those numbers will only keep growing. The current federal government has signaled the same, particularly related to an increase in defense contracts and large infrastructure projects such as airfields and surveillance systems in Northern regions.
OC President Neil Fassina, KF Aerospace Founder Barry Lapointe, Okanagan College student Mikayla McDermott, OC VP Academic Samantha Lenci and OC Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Caitlin Hartigan gather around a rendering of a newly announced $22-million facility to expand the College's Aircraft Maintenance Engineer programming.
Okanagan College currently offers Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programs onsite at both the Kelowna and Vernon airports, in both maintenance (mechanical systems, engines, airframes, propellers) and structures (sheet metal, composite, structural repairs). With the planned expansion, the College is looking to add more options for students.
"Students are excited about this expansion. We are exploring all the options right now to respond to labour market demand in this critical and growing sector," says Dr. Samantha Lenci, Okanagan College Provost and VP Academic. "Having new learning space at YLW here in what we call the Okanagan education corridor' allows us to enroll more students and to fulfil our role supporting companies with the qualified, job-ready talent they need to grow and thrive."
Lenci says the College plans to maintain programming at both the Kelowna and Vernon airports, noting that OC has a wide range of Trades and Business programs that are relevant to the broader aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors in the Okanagan region.
"I love this program and am grateful for the training we receive," said student Mikayla McDermott, one of about 40 OC students who took part in the event. "I am excited that future students will have even more opportunities to grow, learn and succeed. As for me, I will be graduating this December, and I am confident that the skills I am gaining now will help my career take off."
The BPL Legacy Association and Okanagan College signed a letter of intent outlining next steps earlier this fall.
Under the letter of agreement, the BPL Legacy Association is funding $17 million of the capital construction costs, while Okanagan College will work with government and community partners to identify the remaining $5 million. Once built, the College will occupy space in the facility through a long-term lease.
The BPL Legacy Association, the organization behind the creation of the KF Centre for Excellence, is proud to partner with Okanagan College on this initiative. Dedicated to advancing aviation education and awareness, the Association's mission is to inspire and support the next generation of aerospace professionals by creating pathways to hands-on learning and career development.
Meanwhile, the Kelowna airport is also expanding, with construction on the main terminal building nearing completion, the 1,000-stall parkade well underway, and work is progressing on the new 245-room Sutton Place Hotel.
