North Okanagan Friendship Centre
Vernon Urban Report Okanagan Training Development Council
Okanagan Training Development Council offers opportunities in employment and education. It takes from you commitment, dedication, and a sound plan.
In the past year I have had students funded to enter in Trade programs such as Welding, Carpentry, mechanics and Trade Sampler program. I have worked with students with School District 22 to help into trade programs to start their career right after graduation.
I have also had students enter into College programs such as Dental Assistance, Associate of Arts to enter into Human Service Worker, Early Childhood programs as well as others.
Most colleges offer a tour and spend the day options to be able to get a feel for your surroundings and programs or trades you want to attend. Great way to research your interest in attending college be able to hear what is happening in industry.
Working with employers to research the labor market helps us to place students and other into the workforce. Coreen Jenner, BCCDP
Class 1 Truck Driver - Employed
In the past year there have been approximately 15 applications funded for long term training plans.
Approximately 100+ people have been funded for short term training such as safety tickets, driving lessons, work gear, bus tickets to name a few.
I had an opportunity to take a tour of the BCIT Trade Department while attending the BCATeam TRADE Conference in Vancouver. OTDC offers in house training opportunities and conferences so we can keep informed about the Labor Market and be able to hear what is happening in industry.
Working with employers to research the labor market helps us to place students and other into the workforce.
Coreen Jenner, BCCDP
We also attend career fairs to introduce our services to potential clients as well as employers to keep abreast of current opportunities. Research the various career fairs that are being delivered in the community to gather information.
If you are interested in choosing a career rather than just a job, seek out our services that we offer at www.otdc.org.
Keep informed and research ideas and opportunities to help make a great plan and set goals to help achieve your passions.
Read our entire annual report in the: 
Vernon Urban Annual Report 2023-24
Past Reports
OTDC & FNES Testimonials
Thank you for all your support and efforts. I wouldn't have been able to have found F/T employment without you. The teamwork your staff puts forth is excellent. The only reason I accessed other Employment Services is because your technology did not equal theirs. Thanks for being available and flexible. I wouldn't have been this successful in Vernon w/o you. Emma Louie
When I moved to Vernon I had no contacts. I put my name to volunteer at the with FNES. Here I learned about community resources, met new people, updated my first aid and found employment. Volunteering builds self-esteem, adds to your resume, and may lead to a paying position. Linda Lee
The personnel at FNES are caring, great listeners, and a great source of resources. With their expertise, I was able to harness my skills and experiences and attain a position with the First Nations Friendship Centre. Lana Louis
Thanks to the FNES staff for help and support in obtaining employment that I am enjoying. They are also helping me look at my goal of starting my own business. (We are very pleased that the manager of London Drugs, Paul Matheson, has contacted us as a follow up to the December OTDC meeting.) Cathleen Broman & Paul Matheson
I wish to convey my most sincere thanks to FNES for all the hard work in capturing my job. I am so happy working where I am working as a First Cook, earning a very good salary for the first time in my life. I am respected and have recognition for my skills and capabilities. I look forward to working with them towards getting my apprenticeship. Russell Davis
A Big Thank You to the women at the FNES for all the encouragement, the support, resume writing, cover letters, the practice interviews and challenging employers who owed me wages and vacation pay. With their help, I secured a position with Interior Health. I thank you for all the help. Yvonne Lebedoff