Many students have been using the YouLearn Counselling Centre this month for career counselling as they decide which electives they should take on the road to a new career. By the end of October many of the college and university medical programs will start taking applications and many are on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in applying to our local Okanagan College or other institutions in our area, please visit the Counselling centre for application deadlines, prerequisite information, and application assistance.

Okanagan College will be offering The Medical Office Assistant program in the South Okanagan beginning in January and potential students are urged to apply as soon as possible. The Counselling Centre has important information concerning prerequisites, course fees, and the possibility of Dual Credit whereby you can earn credits toward your high school diploma will taking courses through the college. Students who qualify for Dual Credit also have the potential opportunity to have some of their college education funded by School District 53. Drop by the Counselling Centre if you are interested.

Work Experience courses and Apprenticeship programs have become a strong focus for many students attending the YouLearn campuses. Students can use Work Experience to count as diploma credits in addition to gaining valuable work experience that may lead to future opportunities. The Okanagan-Similkameen area offers the potential for Apprenticeship programs in various areas including welding, cooking, mechanics, and carpentry to name a few. Our school district currently has some students graduating with their second year apprenticeship training already completed. As with Dual Credit, students may potentially qualify for apprenticeship training funds through School District 53. This is an exciting opportunity that many students will want to take advantage of.

If any of the above programs seem interesting, be sure to stop in at our YouLearn Counselling Centre. We will be glad to help you with any questions.