By Tom Mark

Okanagan College Enrolment Up

Sep 22, 2017 | 10:19 AM

Enrolment is up at Okanagan College this year.

Spokesperson Allan Coyle says the fall snapshot numbers show enrolment is up by about 4 and a half per cent.

“Right now we’re showing about 8,400 students enrolled in September 15th but by year end it will probably come closer to 20 thousand.”

That’s because they have programs that start later in the year.

Enrolment in Vernon is down a bit to around 970 from one thousand and 44 last year.

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That’s likely to increase as well, as other programs begin.

“Continuing education courses that start later in the semester. We’ve got a really significant January intake.”

Coyle says Vernon’s numbers are down partly due to a rotating program in practical nursing that goes between Salmon Arm and Vernon.

Both the Kelowna and Penticton campuses saw increases.

There’s been a big increase in the number of international students with 878 registered compared with 678 last year.

“Fairly focused recruitment campaign. Our Indian market has been growing phenomenally. China market has been holding steady.”

The college is also diversifying international recruiting with more students coming from a number of countries.

Certain courses are showing strong growth as well.

“Business is certainly one. Our business school has a great reputation. Trades, of course, is another popular area right now.”

That will likely increase with the development of the new trades building there.

Coyle says growth is also being seen in adult basic education and distance education courses.

He says it looks right now that Okanagan College will be exceeding provincial government targets for the 13th year in a row, which is something no other college in British Columbia has done.

Last year, the college hit 111 % of the targets.

Coyle says it all represents students who are finding what they need in terms of education and training pathways within the region.

by Tom Mark

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