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UBCO co-op students can help your business

Hire a UBCO co-op student

Reimagine the possibilities: Why Okanagan businesses should hire UBC Okanagan co-op students

The Okanagan region is built on innovation, collaboration, and a deep connection to the stunning natural landscape. Whether it’s the thriving tech sector, renowned wineries, or growing sustainability initiatives, local businesses understand the value of fresh ideas and new perspectives. That’s where UBC Okanagan’s Interdisciplinary Co-op Program comes in.

Hiring a co-op student isn’t just about filling a short-term role—it’s about investing in the next generation of talent while gaining access to motivated, skilled individuals eager to make an impact. UBC Okanagan’s co-op students bring a unique blend of book smarts and street smarts, ready to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Here’s why local business should consider hiring one and how easy the process can be.

Why hire a co-op student?

Co-op students offer businesses a cost-effective way to bring in fresh perspectives, new energy, and innovative problem-solving skills. Employers who hire students often report increased creativity and efficiency in their workplace.

As one Okanagan employer put it: “I noticed that co-op students consider the job as a learning opportunity, not just regular work. That allows them to stay both efficient and creative.”

Students, in turn, gain hands-on experience that enhances their learning, preparing them for meaningful careers after graduation. By providing a student with an opportunity, you’re helping shape the workforce of the future while gaining immediate value in your business.

A success story: From the classroom to the winery

For businesses wondering what kind of impact a co-op student can have, look no further than Brooklyn Becker, a UBC Okanagan biochemistry student who secured a co-op position at Frind Estate Winery in West Kelowna.

“Everything depends on what the winemaker needs that day,” Becker explains. “We could be sampling wines, analyzing soil samples, or running lab tests during harvest. It’s a fast-paced environment, but no amount of class time could replicate the hands-on skills I’ve learned at Frind.”

She gained invaluable experience, developed professional connections, and worked on cutting-edge research related to smoke taint in grapes, an issue critical to the local wine industry. The experience opened doors she never anticipated.

“For students, I think these skills will help in every area of life—whether it’s studies, graduate work, or future careers,” Becker says. “I’m really glad I decided to go into co-op.”

How to hire a UBC Okanagan co-op student

Hiring a UBC Okanagan co-op student is a seamless way to bring fresh ideas, specialized skills, and driven professionals into your team. The streamlined process ensures you find the right candidate with minimal effort. Here’s how:

Create a compelling job posting—Use the job description template to create a strong, engaging listing. Need assistance? The co-op program office is there to help you attract top student talent.

Post with ease—Email your posting to [email protected] and it will take care of the rest. Prefer to post directly? Here is a link to the co-op job board.

Review applications quickly—After the application deadline, the office will send you a curated list of eligible applicants. You can schedule interviews directly or have the office coordinate them for you.

Hire with confidence—Once you've selected a candidate, notify the co-op team. The office can contact the student on your behalf or support you in connecting with them directly.

Onboard seamlessly—The co-op office will support a smooth start through work permit guidance, onboarding resources and regular check-ins for you and your co-op hire.

Create your own co-op opportunity—Not sure how to create a co-op position that fits your business needs? The co-op office can help you design a customized opportunity, just like Brooklyn Becker’s role at Frind Estate Winery. After attending a UBC Okanagan research talk, Becker connected with a professor who introduced her to contacts at Frind Estate Winery. With support from the co-op office, they tailored a role that aligned with her interests. As the winery’s first-ever co-op student, she played a key role in research that benefits the Okanagan wine industry.

Get started today

Whether you’re in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health sciences, technology, tourism or the growing clean energy sector, co-op students bring valuable skills and fresh perspectives to your business.

For more details about hiring a co-op student, visit UBC Okanagan’s co-op website or contact [email protected] today. You can also sign up to the newsletter to receive monthly updates.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Road 13 Vineyards open for the season once again and ready to welcome one and all

Welcome back to Road 13

One of Canada’s top wineries, Road 13 Vineyards, has reopened its doors and is inviting guests to discover first-hand the experiences and craftsmanship that have earned it national acclaim.

Ranked sixth at the 2023 WineAlign National Wine Awards, Road 13 Vineyards believes wholeheartedly in the “All About the Dirt” philosophy that great wines begin in the vineyard. Visitors can experience this through a series of seated tastings and vineyard tours, where the vineyard’s Rhone varietals and blends take centre stage.

For those seeking an organic wine tasting journey, the brand new Seasonal Selections features four standout wines that capture the essence of the region. Additionally, The Cave at Road 13 offers an exclusive, customizable experience that includes a vineyard tour and a taste of the prestigious John Oliver Selection portfolio.

This season also marks the return of The Wienery, a beloved food truck offering gourmet all-beef hot dogs from ethically raised animals on local farms. Stop by every other Friday, starting April 18, to pair this delicacy with a glass of Road 13 wine.

Guests can look forward to exciting new wine releases alongside signature Rhone varietals and blends, as well as a distinguished Chenin Blanc crafted from vines over 50 years old. Each selection reflects Road 13’s deep commitment to exceptional viticulture.

Book your seat for a tasting or an experience on its website here. It is open from noon to 6 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday.

For those unable to travel, Road 13 also offers shipping directly to your door, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of the vineyard from the comfort of their home.

More information about Road 13 Vineyards can be found on its website here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Yellow Brick Road Experience coming to four Okanagan cities in May

Elton tribute show will wow

You might hear Sad Songs.

You might hear Your Song.

No matter which songs are on the set list, you will definitely be singing along like never before when LMS Entertainment brings Yellow Brick Road Experience to the Okanagan next month.

The show, which is a tribute to Sir Elton John, will bring to life some of his most iconic songs, including Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting. The man who plays the role of Elton, Andrew Johns, is known for his electrifying stage presence and spot-on renditions of the legend’s classics. He will perform alongside a dynamic nine-piece band that will make it feel like you are attending an actual Elton John concert.

“This is one of the best tribute shows you will see," LMS Entertainment founder Mike Schell says. "Close your eyes and you will be transported back to the classic Elton era."

Yellow Brick Road Experience will be performed in four Okanagan communities over a three-week span this spring. The first will be held on Sunday, May 4, at Kelowna Community Theatre, followed by a stop in Kamloops at Sagebrush Theatre on Thursday, May 8. The tour continues on Friday, May 16, in Oliver at Frank Venables Theatre and then concludes on Saturday, May 24, at Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.

Adding to the nostalgia will be two powerhouse background female singers and a stunning horn section, and the 50-piece Naramata Community Choir will pack even more punch to the Oliver, Kelowna and Vernon shows.

The stage will light up with dazzling costume changes and a performance that promises not only to entertain but also to transport audiences through the decades of Elton John’s storied career.

Schell co-created Yellow Brick Road Experience with Johns three years ago, and it has been such a smashing success that it is now booking shows across the world.

Don’t Go Breaking (Your) Heart by missing out on the Yellow Brick Road Experience, and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down without securing your spot at this spectacular tribute to one of the greats in music history.

More information about Yellow Brick Road Experience can be found on its website here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

YMCA seeking early childhood educator for two new Penticton child-care centres

Join YMCA child-care team

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC will be opening two new child-care centres in Penticton over the next 12 months or so.

It therefore needs early childhood educators to work in those facilities, and it wants potential employees to know the benefits of working for the YMCA are plentiful and rewarding.

The organization ensures educators receive substantial support, extensive training, and adequate time for personal and professional growth, creating an ideal work-life balance.

“The YMCA is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of early learning and child care in Canada,” YMCA child care general manager Valene Johnson says. “The Y continuously adapts to meet the needs of our communities.

“Currently, child-care waitlists pose a barrier for many families. We are excited to be opening two new child care centres in Penticton this year and early next. These new centres will allow more children to access care and create new employment opportunities for ECEs in our community.”

Choosing a career with the YMCA means embarking on a path that offers a competitive starting salary of at least $27 per hour, including wage enhancements for certified ECEs. The YMCA provides comprehensive support on every shift, allowing for professional development and administrative duties, which enhances flexibility in work schedules.

Opportunities for advancement in supervisory and management roles are also plentiful at each centre, promising significant career progression.

If all of that wasn’t enough, the benefits package is remarkably generous. It includes professional development hours during work time, three weeks of paid vacation, wellness days, family wellness days, annual wage increases, a pension plan and so much more. Educators also enjoy priority child-care placement for their families and support children's development using the evidence-based Playing to Learn curriculum.

Recognized as one of Canada’s top employers, the YMCA offers a career that is not only rewarding but also rich with opportunities to grow professionally in a supportive and inclusive environment. If you are enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate about early childhood education, the YMCA is the perfect place to advance your career.

Learn more about the YMCA of Southern Interior BC and its employment opportunities by visiting its website here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.