Real estate developer donates $1M to college

A Kelowna development company is making a significant investment in post-secondary education in the Okanagan.

Highstreet has donated $1 million to Okanagan College’s trades and apprenticeship programs.

The gift will focus on providing financial support to students starting an entry-level trades program. Thirteen annual bursaries of $6,500 will cover the full tuition costs with room for additional student expenses, such as textbooks or tools. “Full ride” bursaries are rare for an OC Trades program – and Highstreet hopes it will incentivize more students to explore the potential of an in-demand trades career.

“This is about giving back to an industry we love and encouraging high school students and young people to see a trades education as just as valuable as a university program,” Scott Butler, Highstreet CEO, said.

According to Butler, many people enter trades in their 30s after exploring different careers. The team at Highstreet wants to change that by making more people aware that trades can be a first-choice career — and the time is now.

Butler adds it’s an exciting time to be in the trades industry, which he describes as dynamic and evolving. At Highstreet, Butler says the company is building carbon-free apartments and condos that people love. The team is also passionate about changing the perceptions of what it means to work in trades. For example, they’ve made the shift to a Monday to Friday schedule with overtime being an exception.

“The trades can be an amazing career path,” Highstreet President, Christina Wilson added. “There are so many different avenues you can take — it could be in a leadership role, project management, or even owning your own business. There are so many opportunities.”

Wilson experienced this first-hand. She started at Highstreet nearly 10 years ago as a development coordinator.

“With a mindset of working hard and learning from others the sky is the limit,” Wilson said.

For women considering a trade, Wilson has more encouragement.

“You can do it. There is no barrier if you don’t make it one.”

Highstreet’s donation will also support unique learning opportunities for children and youth to explore trades.

Highstreet is a gold sponsor of OC’s inaugural Jill of All Trades event, a day-long workshop on May 15, for young women in Grades 9-12 that will offer hands-on learning in construction, automotive and manufacturing trades sectors.

Also benefiting from Highstreet’s donation will be the annual Trades camps that are part of CampOC each summer. These week-long day camps introduce students in grades 4-6 and 7-9 to areas including carpentry, metalworks, electronics, culinary arts and more.

Okanagan College president Dr. Neil Fassina said the extraordinary support from businesses like Highstreet allows the college to provide the skilled professionals needed in the region.

“We want to acknowledge how much of an impact Highstreet is making with this inspiring gift,” Fassina said. “Not only are they removing barriers for OC students, but they are championing the skilled trades and recognizing how these professions contribute in our communities. It is extremely affirming for our students to see a local business make an investment in trades as a career choice. We are beyond grateful to their vision and generosity.”

Future students can apply and learn more by visiting: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/trades-and-apprenticeship