With more than 500 new and returning Okanagan College (OC) trades and apprenticeship students attending the College this fall, a new online mentorship platform is now live, to connect students with mentors who can support them on their journey to a meaningful - and well-paid - career in the skilled trades.
A Trades instructor works with two students in Okanagan College's Trades and Apprentice program.
The OC Trades Network is an easy-to-use online platform that connects apprentices of all genders with industry leaders for one-on-one mentorship along with other tools for success including educational resources, training and networking events.
"When I think back to my early days as an apprentice, I realize how much a mentorship program would have shaped my journey. Like many young apprentices, I faced moments of uncertainty wondering if I was on the right path, questioning my skills, and trying to find my place in the trade. Having a mentor to guide me, to share their experiences and to reassure me through those challenges would have given me the confidence to grow faster, both personally and professionally," said Danny Marques, OC's associate dean of trades, who acquired two Red Seal certifications in his career and is now giving back as an ACTION mentor.
"We have so many valued industry partners and this is a new way for them to engage with our students and each other," said Sara Cousins, OC Manager, Trades Programs, adding Red Seal tradespersons, instructors, trades entrepreneurs and employers, senior apprentices or those with experience in trades environments are invited to apply to be mentors to OC students. Mentors will receive resources and access to training opportunities to support their participation.
"I have been a hands-on mentor for the Jill of All Trades event at Okanagan College and it was really rewarding," said Julie Patterson, owner, Patterson Finishing LTD and a Red Seal carpenter. "I am excited to take it to the next level to help apprentices as an ACTION mentor at Okanagan College. I think this is a great new program to support students and help them get to their Red Seal."
The mentorship platform is available thanks to Okanagan College's ACTION (Apprenticeship Completion, Training, Innovative Opportunities and Networking) Project, funded in part by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and supported by the OC Trades department. The project's goal is to encourage female apprentice retention in construction and manufacturing trades and the progression towards their Red Seal certification.
"Studies have consistently shown that mentorship and support are critical to apprentice retention and success particularly for women, Indigenous learners, and other under-represented groups entering the skilled trades," said Caitlin Hartigan, Okanagan College Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship. "With the sector facing a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople both provincially and nationally, it's more important than ever to ensure our students are not only well-trained, but also well-supported throughout their journey to Red Seal certification. Mentorship and role-modeling play a vital role in creating inclusive learning environments where apprentices feel seen, valued and empowered to succeed."
In addition to supporting the OC Trades Network, the ACTION Project hosts networking events, tuition-free certification and training, advanced skills training for more senior apprentices, bursaries for transportation, textbooks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more for eligible participants.
Okanagan College is the Interior's top trades training facility and is committed to training the workforce of the future and supporting barrier free pathways to sustainable careers in trades.
The College offers training in more than 20 different trades programs, including trades exploration samplers and foundation programs that prepare students to move into an apprenticeship. Programming also includes apprenticeship technical training and advanced industry certifications.
Industry-experienced instructors utilize the newest equipment and technologies in state-of-the-art training facilities located in Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Penticton. The College's Trades and Apprenticeship team, Canadian Home Builders Association, BC Hydro and many industry mentors will be hosting over 100 youth this Thursday, Sept. 25 for a hands-on Try a Trade event with the theme You belong.
