The college serves the Orkney community, which is rural and has long had an economy based on agriculture and fishing.

Its main campus is a purpose-built site opened in 2000 on the outskirts of Kirkwall.

The college has strong links with agriculture and opened an Agronomy Institute in 2002.

Orkney College's courses provide students of all ages with a full range of qualifications from Scottish Vocational Qualifications, Scottish Group Awards (Higher Still) through Higher National Certificate and Diploma to Degree and postgraduate Degree Level.

The college conducts vocational training for the merchant navy personnel.