John presented Steve with a wood feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain.
Okanagan College (OC) Associate Dean Steve Crema, PEng, and TPBC CEO John Leech met up to talk about OC’s engineering technology programs and explore ways in which OC and TPBC might collaborate to enhance the profile of engineering technologists and technicians. A few outcomes from the discussion:
- OC is fully committed to national accreditation with all tech programs accredited by Technology Accreditation CanadaOC has the largest number of TAC accredited engineering tech programs in BC
- OC continues to attract a solid base of students, with a high percent graduating
- High school student engagement is a priority and key source of OC tech students
- The Spaghetti Bridge Contest is a big hit with elementary and senior grade students
- OC hosts a careers fair each year; TPBC will participate in the years ahead
- OC and TPBC will look for ways to collaborate in promoting tech ed and careers
Steve and John agreed to touch base again in the Fall of 2026 to move ahead with the ideas generated during their discussion.