Kelowna, BC — The OCCA Communities Association celebrated the JCF Cohort 5 Graduation Ceremony and JCF Alumni Network Reception at Okanagan College on Saturday, November 8, bringing together approximately 100 attendees, including graduates, alumni, families, community partners, and supporters. With this cohort’s completion, the program has now supported 60 graduates across five cohorts.
Funded by the Government of British Columbia, the JCF program equips newcomers and community members with the skills, confidence, and support needed to participate fully in the Okanagan workforce. Participants receive hands-on employment training, career navigation support, opportunities to build professional networks, and guidance to successfully transition into meaningful employment in Canada.
With more than 100 individuals currently on the waitlist, demand for the program continues to grow. In response, and with additional support from the Central Okanagan Foundation, RBC Foundation, and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, OCCA has launched monthly JCF Expansion Workshops since June 2025 to ensure that wait-listed participants remain supported. These workshops provide job readiness coaching, career pathway guidance, and community connection opportunities while they prepare to enter the full cohort program.
The graduation and alumni reception highlighted the program’s impact in helping participants navigate Canadian workplace culture, prepare for interviews, and
build confidence. Graduates left not only with practical skills, but also with a renewed sense of hope and belonging as they take their next steps in Canada.
OCCA also extends its sincere appreciation to Okanagan College, with whom the program is collaboratively delivered. The College’s Continuing Studies faculty provides high-quality instruction and learning support throughout the program.
Local partners and dignitaries joined the celebration to offer the graduates words of encouragement and support, including:
. • MP Dan Albas (Okanagan Lake West–South Kelowna)
. • Penny Pearson, on behalf of MP Stephen Fuhr (Kelowna)
. • MLA Kristina Loewen (Kelowna Centre)
. • MLA Gavin Dew (Kelowna–Mission)
. • Deputy Mayor Rick Webber, City of Kelowna
. • Kristine Bugayong, CEO, Central Okanagan Foundation
. • Bruce McKibbon & David Vogt, RBC Foundation
. • Magda Kapp, United Way BC
. • Jenn Goodwin, VP, Enrolment & College Relations, OC
During the ceremony, Penny Pearson presented a congratulatory letter from MP Stephen Fuhr to each JCF graduate, recognizing their achievement and contribution to the community.
“Newcomers come to the Okanagan with so much to offer — but too often, their skills and experience are overlooked. JCF is about opening doors, building confidence, and making sure our community sees the value they bring. When newcomers thrive, our entire region thrives.”
— Fei Liu, Executive Director, OCCA Communities Association
OCCA expresses its deepest appreciation to every partner, funder, volunteer, educator, and community ally who continues to advance real and meaningful equity, diversity, and inclusion by empowering immigrants and newcomers to fully participate in the workforce and community. By preparing individuals to thrive professionally, the JCF program continues to strengthen the local workforce and enrich the broader community — with each graduate serving as a testament to the program’s impact.
Today’s graduation was also made even more special by the support of Flash and Frame Photobooth, Dragon King Restaurant, HYGGE Photography Studio, McDonald’s Restaurants Strategic Planning team and Gayak by Jay decoration.
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
