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91������Ƶ offers flexible, career-focused programs to set students up for success —and with the return of the StrongerBC future skills grant in 2025, learners have an additional incentive to take the next step in their learning.  
 
The grant, which was launched in 2023 by the Province of British Columbia, pays up to $3,500 of eligible short-term training at public post-secondary institutions, like 91������Ƶ. It is available to B.C. residents aged 19 and over and can be applied to courses taught online, on campus or hybrid.  
 

“The most recent B.C. Labour Market Outlook has given us a clear picture for the future: there will be more than one million job openings in our province over the next 10 years, and almost 80 per cent of those jobs will require post-secondary credentials or training," said 91������Ƶ president Dr. Neil Fassina. “As our communities grow and the industries shift and evolve — from skilled trades and health care to technology and community services — learners need flexible, affordable routes to obtain the skills that will get them where they want to go.” 

“91������Ƶ has decades of experience preparing learners to step into careers with success,” Fassina continued. “Thanks in part to the StrongerBC future skills grant, more people can take advantage of the kind of career-specific training that really makes a difference in their own lives, their communities and beyond.” 
 
This year, 25 91������Ƶ programs are eligible, spanning in-demand fields such as health care, skilled trades, business, technology, and community support services. Eligible programs include microcredentials and certificates developed in partnership with local industries and communities to respond to emerging needs in the B.C. Interior. 
 
“At 91������Ƶ, we work closely with industry partners to ensure our programs align with real workforce needs — now and into the future," explained Mary Kline, director of OC’s continuing studies and corporate training. "Programs like Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Cybersecurity, and GIS Essentials were developed in direct response to what employers are telling us they need. Learners want relevant training they can apply right away and close to home — and the StrongerBC future skills grant can support them achieve these goals.” 
 
With campuses in Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm, and a centre in Revelstoke, 91������Ƶ delivers community-based learning — for any learner, any time, and any place. With online, in-person and hybrid options, students can learn when and how it works for them. 

91������Ƶ is set to release its 2025/26 Continuing Studies and Corporate Training catalogue of offerings in early July. Continuing Studies and Corporate Training (also known as InspirED, pronounced ‘inspire-ed’), will offer over 100 programs, certificates, microcredentials and general interest learning opportunities over the next year. Program information is available online at okanagan.bc.ca/cs and hard-copy brochures will be available at OC campuses across the region. 

Learn more about the StrongerBC future skills grant, including how to apply and which OC courses and programs qualify, at /future-skills-grant.

The StrongerBC future skills grant is funded by the Province of British Columbia.