Okanagan College hosting skill trade competition for middle and high schoolers
Published 10:00 am Sunday, February 8, 2026
On Feb. 20, Okanagan College (OC) in Kelowna is set to host over 200 students from across the region.
The 2026 Skills B.C. Regional Trades and Technologies competitions will feature a wide variety of skills ranging from cabinetmaking to automotive services, and welding to culinary.
For over two decades, OC has been the Southern Interior competition site, helping students explore post-secondary careers and options, all while competing against their peers, with a chance to advance to provincial and national competitions.
“These competitions encourage young people to explore the trades and discover their full potential,” said Jessie Sunner, minister of post-secondary education and future skills. “It’s inspiring to see students showcase their skills and confidence from such a young age. When youth step into the trades, they open doors to new possibilities for themselves and for our province to thrive.”
The competitions aim to meet the growing demands of skilled trades in the country and are open to the public to observe.
“Events like this one are valuable because they give students opportunities to explore and gain skills for the competition, and then to attend our college campus, where they can start to think about their next steps in education and their career,” said Samantha Lenci, OC provost and vice president academic. “Skills Regionals is a place where students get that first spark of inspiration — that excitement — that motivates them to think about future jobs.”
Students participating will be from the Central Okanagan school districts, from Revelstoke to Osoyoos.
Civil engineering-inspired Spaghetti Bridge Building contest will also be a part of the event, with students participating in three categories: Grade 6-9 team building, Grade 10-12 team building, and heavyweight competition.
“Welcoming students to our campus for the Skills Regional competitions is always a highlight for us,” said Caitlin Hartigan, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship. “These competitions give students the chance to explore their strengths, build confidence and see what’s possible for their future. We are committed to fostering professional growth by immersing students in real-world challenges, ensuring they have the supportive environment and hands-on experience needed to bridge the gap between the classroom and their future careers.”
The Skills Canada province-wide contest will be held in Abbotsford, with winners moving on to the national Skills Canada event that takes place in Toronto this May.
date: 2026-02-08 18:03:00