The OCCA Communities Association is proud to announce the celebration of its Job Connect for Future (JCF) Cohort 3 graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in empowering immigrants and creating positive change in the Central Okanagan. The event was held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at Grizzli Winery in West Kelowna, and featured a day of inspiring speeches, graduate recognition, and networking opportunities for graduates and supporters alike.

The OCCA’s JCF program, funded by the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and RBC Foundation, equips immigrants and newcomers with essential skills to kickstart their careers in Canada.  The training is delivered through a partnership between OCCA and Okanagan College. “We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our latest cohort of graduates, who have worked hard to build skills and connections that will serve them throughout their careers,” said Fei Liu, Executive Director of OCCA. “The JCF program has been instrumental in providing skills training and development opportunities for immigrants, and we are excited to see the continued positive impact this program has on our community.”

The event featured congratulatory addresses from influential speakers, including elected officials, funders, and JCF program partners such as:
● MLA Gavin Dew, Kelowna-Mission
● Deputy Mayor Tasha Da Silva, City of West Kelowna
● Councillor Mohini Singh, City of Kelowna
● Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, City of Kelowna
● Kristine Bugayong, Executive Director, Central Okanagan Foundation
● Heidi Schwartz, Community Manager, Royal Bank of Canada (JCF Community Sponsor)
● Jennifer Gorman, Associate Director, Continuing Studies and Corporate Training, Okanagan College (JCF Training Partner)

Coupled with this, the graduates also received congratulatory letters from MP Dan Albas and MP Tracy Gray. Alumni from both current and past JCF cohorts shared their personal stories, reflecting on how the program continues to shape their careers and open doors to new opportunities. The OCCA would like to extend a special thanks to the program’s dedicated training partners, volunteers, and community supporters, whose efforts have made this success possible.

About OCCA Communities Association:
The OCCA Communities Association, a registered charity and non-profit organization, has served multicultural communities throughout Central Okanagan since 2008. Our reach spans nearly 100 kilometers, from Peachland to Vernon, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country. We provide services to individuals from all backgrounds, with virtual programs extending support to rural areas throughout the Okanagan. Our commitment is to foster an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.