Local specialists and professionals met with pupils and aspiring students at First College’s Career Conference last Friday.
The conference was held in effort to forge stronger ties for employers, students and education professionals.
According to Gary Zvanovec, president and CEO of First College, hundreds came out and participated in some of the several workshops that were offered at the free event.
“(The conference) was about awareness for the community: Giving people options and giving people opportunities they might not have known about,” said Zvanovec.
First College, located at Suite 209, 3011 Louie Drive, offers education in vocational, technical and career training through diploma programs and specialized short courses. It opened in West Kelowna last year and, according to Zvanovec, has enjoyed success so far.
“I think people are starting to recognize (what) First College is.
“We’ve had so much support from the community and it seems there is a need there.”
He added the college’s non-destructive testing course has been one of the most popular programs offered.
“It’s generally full (and) we’re batting at about a 90 per cent employment rate with our students.”
Zvanovec said the goal is to make the career conference an annual event.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
