BCIT Our Year of Transformation Connecting education, industry, and government to power provincial resilience.
Year in Review Issue No. 57
From our Board Chair and President We hope this is the last time we are compelled to begin an update by acknowledging that 2020/21 has been extraordinarily challenging. We have all read, seen, and lived the challenges ad nauseam, and are even more tired of COVID itself. But the persistence, resilience, and positive spirit of our BCIT community demands recognition, and a great deal of respect—and so it bears repeating just once more. Not only did our faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, and donors rally under sustained and evolving duress, they also made surprising progress and notable achievements despite many obstacles. You all deserve our unreserved thanks and acknowledgement. Here are just a few of those achievements, all of which are rooted in our BCIT Strategic Plan which is centered around connecting education, industry, and government to power provincial recovery and resilience. We have made tremendous progress across all our schools, including the ongoing introduction of high-demand microcredentials to meet the need for more agile, accessible learning. We will continue to redefine applied learning models to anticipate and address evolving student and employer needs in a new post-COVID world. The pandemic exposed our global connectivity and vulnerability, and also highlighted the underlying systemic issues and barriers faced by women, students, and marginalized communities including Indigenous, Black, and people of colour. It is critically important that we all learn and evolve to better support and include all members of our diverse community.
In addition to the launch of BCIT’s inaugural Applied Research and Internationalization Plans, BCIT’s Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion team has introduced the Anti-Racism Framework. The Framework outlines BCIT’s plan through 2022 based on collaboration with many community members and will convene many important and ongoing conversations and learning. The Indigenous Initiatives team has continued to advance BCIT’s Indigenous Vision providing support to Indigenous learners and guidance to our non-Indigenous community, particularly surrounding the difficult conversations and necessary truths related to residential schools and related sustained issues. BCIT is committed to embedding Truth and Reconciliation and respect, diversity, and inclusion for all learners and community members in the coming months and years. Finally, please stay tuned for many new developments on campus including Mass Timber student housing; our new BCIT Health Sciences Centre which is nearing completion; our soon-to-belaunched Downtown Campus Tech Collider; BCIT’s new Centre for Digital Transformation, which is up and running; and the up-andcoming BCIT Trades and Technology Centre. Thank you all for your support and focus over this past year. We are looking forward to working with and seeing you in our emerging new world.
Dan Reader Chair, Board of Governors
Kathy Kinloch President
The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam).
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
ANTI-RACISM FRAMEWORK
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BCIT hosts Moving Forward: Let’s Talk Anti-Racism Recent events have highlighted the systemic issues with racism in our country and across the world. BCIT—in collaboration with Judy Phipps, BCGEU Support Staff, the BCIT Alumni Association, Broadcast and Media Communications department, Diversity Circles, and the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion Office—hosted a discussion with BCIT alumni Orene Askew and Bhupinder Hundal speaking on anti-racism through the lens of their lived experiences. The discussion inspired the BCIT community to become agents of positive change and continue discussions, dialogue, workshops, and education related to anti-racism.
BCIT launches Anti-Racism Framework BCIT is committed to creating a learning and working environment that is actively engaged in eliminating racism and discrimination. In recognizing more work needs to be done to eliminate racism within BCIT and the broader community, the Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion (RDI) Office collaborated with a diverse group of stakeholders to develop an Anti-Racism Framework—an action plan focusing on priority areas within the Institute. “We hope the implementation of the initiatives within this Framework will help remove barriers and move us along the path to a more equitable community,” said Shereen Tayles, Associate Director, BCIT RDI Office.
BCIT calls leaders to commit to Indigenous reconciliation Building Indigeneity into the curricula at Canadian postsecondary schools requires more than just introducing Indigenous history and knowledge. Kory Wilson, proud Kwakwaka’wakw woman and Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, encourages people to have the courage to challenge the status quo, and to re-envision education and the type of society we share. Reconciliation is the work of all in the post-secondary system—indeed of all Canadians.
Making education accessible for all BCIT instructors are industry experts who strive to make education accessible for all. With support from the BCIT PRISM Simulation Centre, the Railway and Rail Yard Employment Skills program pivoted its hands-on railway skills training into virtual reality experiences—bringing experiential learning to Indigenous communities. Since the program launch in 2018, it has seen growing popularity among BC’s Indigenous youth and achieved a high employment rate for Indigenous learners.
Above: BCIT alumna Orene Askew, Elected Member of Squamish Nation, and DJ, speaks about anti-racism through her lived experience. Photography by Carlos M Bonmati. Top right: Artist Lou-Ann Neel created this design and gifted it to the BCIT community in recognition of the discovery of the remains of Indigenous children at residential schools across Canada. We are grateful for this design and BCIT staff, faculty, and students use it to continue to prompt conversations and recognition of our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
The Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating program is also bringing opportunities to support women and Indigenous learners to start a rewarding career at sea. To date, more than 100 students have participated in the federally-funded program. In the past year, generous donors across the community have contributed more than $2.5 million in awards and bursaries that were distributed to 1,779 students.
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Our Vision
EMPOWERING PEOPLE. Shaping BC. Inspiring global progress. BCIT bridges gaps across STEM
Going above and beyond to support students
As BCIT plays a significant role in supporting tech businesses in BC, many faculty members have contributed to helping break down barriers for learners to pursue their STEM education.
Government, industry, donors, and the BCIT community play a significant role in supporting the success of students at BCIT. Thanks to their generous contributions, the COVID-19 Emergency Student Response Fund and the Student Emergency Response Fund raised more than $350,000 and supported 1,200 students over the past year.
Dr. Mirela Gutica is addressing the gender gap issue through applied research, while Computing instructor Maryam Khezrzadeh has created a course to introduce Artificial Intelligence to non-programmers. Outside of BCIT, Computing instructor Erika Ram is empowering girls to be leaders in technology and engineering through Technovation Girls—a non-profit entrepreneurship competition—and Computing instructor Carly Orr is supporting Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools program in developing the digital literacy of high school students.
High school students gain dual credit while exploring aviation careers The School of Transportation, in collaboration with the Surrey School District, launched the Exploration in Aviation Careers program—an innovative high school dual program that allows students in grades 11 and 12 to explore pathways in aviation.
The Gene Haas Foundation provided additional support by donating $1 million to modernize the BCIT Machine Shop and support the future of talented machinists like Red Seal Machinist and BCIT instructor Chelsea Barron, who is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The renovation will enhance learning for BCIT Machinist students by helping them better prepare for their career after graduation. Elsewhere, BCIT received a $450,000 donation from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Seaspan and SRY Rail, to fund trades and technologyrelated training for 100 Indigenous students. This grant will support more Indigenous students to embark on new, exciting careers in trades and technology.
Empowering youth to become climate changemakers BCIT Centre for Ecocities collaborated with Colleges and Institutes Canada to deliver the first cross-Canada pilot of Climate Changemakers Youth Leadership Training. The three-hour workshop provided training for Canada’s youth to become positive climate changemakers. Through sustainability, leadership, and communication training, participants were shown how they can leverage their impact through their chosen career path—empowering Canada’s future by becoming climate leaders.
Opposite: Red Seal Machinist and BCIT instructor Chelsea Barron is leading the next generation of Machinist students. 4
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BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
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Our Vision
Empowering people.
SHAPING BC. Inspiring global progress. Artist’s rendering of the BCIT Health Sciences Building.
BCIT Health Sciences Building on September 30, 2020.
INSPIRE Campaign shapes future of education at BCIT
Providing sustainable student housing for BCIT learners
The INSPIRE Campaign is integral to supporting BCIT as it ushers in a new era for students, staff, faculty, and the province of BC. The $125 million campaign goal and its initiatives are ambitious—focusing on campus redevelopment, innovations, as well as access and inclusion.
Future BCIT students will have access to hundreds of new and affordable environmentally-friendly homes thanks to a $108.8 million investment from the Government of British Columbia.
As of March 31, 2021, the campaign has raised $66.8 million, helping BCIT continue to prepare students to meet tomorrow’s challenges by gaining new skills and sparking fresh ways of thinking, learning, and collaborating.
Constructed using sustainable mass timber, the housing will further support students by providing ample community space. BCIT President Kathy Kinloch said, “This investment will allow BCIT students to access sustainable on-campus housing to support their journey to a new or expanded career through an industry-relevant applied education.”
Top: The $78.3 million Health Sciences Centre is the first major project in the BCIT Campus Renewal Plan. It is on track to complete by spring 2022. Opposite top: Strong industry connections provide BCIT students with practical experience from the workplace. Opposite bottom: In 2021 BCIT welcomed nearly 6,000 graduates who now join the BCIT family of 195,000 alumni around the globe. 6
OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
Strong industry connections pave the way for creative careers
Real-world research supports industry resilience
BCIT is the first Canadian public post-secondary institution to become an Unreal Engine Academic Partner, recognizing our commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities with experienced faculty, proven curricula, world-class facilities, and resources to support students in developing practical skills needed to be job-ready in the gaming, film, and television industries.
BCIT researchers and research groups have been working with industry for over 30 years—helping companies and organizations develop solutions to real-world problems. Most recently, the Future Skills Centre awarded BCIT over $2 million for research to protect the workplace against social and economic shock.
Strong industry partnerships such as this and industryconnected faculty members like Digital Arts instructor Mark Wong, who has worked on some of the biggest franchises in Hollywood, are key in providing Technical Arts and 3D students with relevant industry experience for success in a creative and dynamic industry.
Dr. Hassan Farhangi and Dr. Moein Manbachi from the Smart Microgrid Applied Research team were awarded over $1.5 million for their online learning project Virtual Learning in Canada’s Infrastructure Sector. Dr. Nathan Devos from the School of Computing and Academic Studies was awarded over $500,000 for his research on Language Learning for Young Newcomers.
BCIT celebrates the Class of 2021 Congratulations to the Class of 2021. Hosted by Kevin Lim— proud BCIT alumnus and morning host of Vancouver’s 104.9 KiSS RADiO—the virtual BCIT Winter and Summer Convocation Ceremonies celebrated nearly 6,000 graduates receiving their degrees and qualifications. BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak, warmly welcomed the graduates to BCIT’s family of 195,000 alumni who are making a positive impact around the globe as innovators, creators, and leaders.
BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
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Our Vision
Empowering people. Shaping BC.
INSPIRING GLOBAL PROGRESS. Applied education provides innovative solutions Computing students at BCIT are no strangers to overcoming complex problems. Students Emily DeLisle, Ciara Southgate, Robert Vu, and Bryan Zhang gained practical experience while giving back to the community with their Industry Sponsored Student Project to help non-profit organization Pathfinder Youth Centre Society improve their operational efficiencies with a personalized and affordable solution. Engineering and Technology students have been rounding out their soft skills by competing in Presentation Idol—a contest where students present on a technology-related topic. Cody Pallin received Judges’ First Place with Defeating the Duck (The Energy Grid’s Greatest Challenge), as well as Audience Choice Second Place, and the Innovation Award.
Supporting the success of alumni in BC and beyond The BCIT Alumni Association continues to support alumni in BC and around the globe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alumni Association launched its first-ever Alumni Holiday Market—which won a CCAE Prix d’Excellence Bronze Award in the Best Alumni Initiative category—encouraging shoppers to patronize local, alumni-owned businesses. To support alumni at every step of their journey, the Association also pledged a historic $1 million towards a new Alumni Centre. The Alumni Centre will be located at the heart of the BCIT Burnaby Campus, providing a home for alumni to reconnect, network, grow their careers, and more. 8
OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
Inspiring cities to live sustainably The BCIT Sustainability Vision outlines a path for continued integration of sustainability. Through industry partnerships, we inspire change across communities. Ecocity Builders and the BCIT Centre for Ecocities (the Centre) received an Incredible Impacts Award as part of a suite of efforts to support cities and communities on meeting their sustainability goals. Dr. Jennie Moore, Director, Institute Sustainability, led a task-group in selecting measures for monitoring remote ecological impacts from cities as part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Urban Nature Index. She also helped develop standards and methods for urban data collection and reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals through the UN-Habitat Taskforce for a Global Urban Monitoring Framework. Additionally, Dr. Moore received a grant from the federal Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for Measuring and Managing Living within Earth’s Carrying Capacity. With support from the Real Estate Foundation of BC, the Centre also helped 10 municipalities create Ecological Footprint Assessments and Consumption-based Emissions Inventories. Both Dr. Moore and Ecocity Builders further collaborated to publish Ecocities Now—a publication on ecologically healthy cities. BCIT researchers, faculty, and students from the Schools of Computing and Academic Studies, Construction and the Environment, and Energy, as well as from Applied Research, also authored chapters throughout the book.
International connections contribute to understanding of the Big Bang and antimatter BCIT researchers Dr. Barry Pointon and Dr. Michal Aibin and Computing students are contributing to some of the greatest scientific experiments in the world, including the Hyper-Kamiokande neutrino experiment in Japan. Their work with the Intermediate Water Cherenkov Detector will help Hyper-K study neutrino oscillations, which may lead scientists to understand why our universe exists and was not annihilated during the Big Bang. BCIT Physics instructor Dr. Alexander Khramov was also involved in the world’s first laser-based manipulation of antimatter, leveraging a made-in-Canada laser system to cool antimatter to near zero.
Opposite: BCIT students hone their skills in this “living lab” of working solar panels on the rooftop of the Burnaby Campus Gateway building. BCIT sustainability programs provide innovative solutions to the future of energy needs. Right: As an Environmental Engineer with EnviroChem, BCIT Environmental Engineering alumna Fiona Tsun tests water at the Port of Vancouver to support a sustainable environment. BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
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WE ARE COMMITTED TO A
PEOPLE-FOCUSED organization
BCIT is named a BC Top 100 Employer For more than 55 years, BCIT has built a reputation for educating students through applied, hands-on learning. Behind that success is a team of faculty and staff dedicated to delivering on our vision to empower people, shape BC, and inspire global progress. BCIT is thrilled to be one of British Columbia’s Top 100 Employers for 2021—marking the 11th consecutive year the Institute has been acknowledged for success in fostering a progressive and forward-thinking organizational culture.
Celebrating the next generation of industry leaders
Enhancing mental health and wellness for the BCIT community In addition to pre-existing support for staff, faculty, and students through BCIT Wellness Works, Mental Health at Home, and Healthy at Home programs, BCIT announced a new Student Well-being and Resilience Framework. The Framework considers the Eight Dimensions of Wellbeing—financial, psychological, physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, social, and environmental. BCIT recognizes that these dimensions support students’ mental health during their educational journey and prepares them for good mental health and wellness beyond their studies.
BCIT students demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication in navigating through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are innovators and leaders who are ready to make a difference in their industry. Students from the Schools of Business + Media, Construction and the Environment, and Energy, presented innovative ideas at the 2021 BCIT Student Innovation Challenge—from a real-time orca detection system to a company that focuses on sustainable designs for home renovation. “This challenge encourages students to think outside the box and inspires them to believe their ideas can one day become a reality,” said President Kathy Kinloch. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered a congratulatory message for Nursing graduates who are ready to start their careers as essential workers.
Above: The BCIT Student Well-being and Resilience Framework emphasizes the importance of students’ well-being and implements new strategies to support them. Opposite top: Students—from the Schools of Business + Media, Construction and the Environment, and Energy—presented innovative ideas at the 2021 BCIT Student Innovation Challenge. Opposite bottom: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCIT community innovated to ensure learners received safe, applied, and relevant education. 10
OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
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WE ARE COMMITTED TO
FUTURE-PROOF
applied education
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OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
BCIT adapts to deliver pandemic-resilient education
BCIT introduces microcredential programs for agile learning
While all programs pivoted and evolved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many new processes have led to improved opportunities and efficiencies in both physical and virtual classrooms.
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that the need for agile, modular education is real. BCIT has launched its first-ever series of microcredential programs to provide learners with relevant, flexible, short-term education to quickly master new competencies and stay ahead in the workplace.
The BCIT Rivers Institute and students in the Ecological Restoration, Forests and Natural Areas Management, and Fish, Wildlife and Recreation programs collaborated to revitalize a wetland at the BCIT Burnaby campus, which received a City of Burnaby 2021 Environmental Stars Award in the category of Community Stewardship. Meanwhile, Computing and IT programs made the impressive pivot to 100% online learning, simulating the work environment of many of the Lower Mainland’s biggest tech companies. Engineering students have been pioneering new ways of combining hands-on and remote learning. Power Engineering students are piloting a sophisticated, cloudbased power plant virtual simulator provided by Kongsberg. Health sciences programs at BCIT span a range of specialties and disciplines, and coming to campus has always been a central part of foundational skills training— largely because BCIT is home to one of the largest simulation labs in Western Canada. However, the school has been developing its award-winning Virtual Pulse platform for the past three years, and this has been accelerated with support from the Digital Technology Supercluster COVID-19 Program.
Training to meet the workplace demands of tomorrow BCIT continues to play a vital role in addressing the everevolving needs of our industry partners and BC’s economy. Our free, fast-track education course Focused Education Preparation Advancing Frontline Registered Nurses (FEPA) has attracted more than 11,000 learners from across Canada since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic— helping boost vital skills in telemetry monitoring, high acuity care, and critical care like mechanical ventilation. In addition, BCIT’s unique partnership with TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre, has enabled broad access and career training for students in a variety of STEM disciplines, skilled trades, business, and entrepreneurship. Through leveraging TRIUMF’s unique research infrastructure and BCIT’s renowned applied education, we strengthen BC’s workforce development and training capacity. Opposite: BCIT Health Sciences students learn in innovative healthcare simulation labs equipped with the latest virtual and augmented reality technology. BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
With more to come in the future, the first three microcredential programs focus on Digital Transformation, Essentials of Natural Resource and Environmental Protection, and Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction. Learners may also choose to add on digital badges or credentials from BCIT to further enhance their educational journey. Microcredentials can also be stacked to ladder into a course, certificate, or diploma program, making them a focused and affordable option for higher education.
BCIT launches Free Online Learning Since its founding in 1964, BCIT has been at the forefront of innovation in education by providing leading-edge teaching and training to the professionals who shape our economy. BCIT continued to innovate in 2021 by offering free online courses to the global community under three pillars: Learning, Citizenship, and Career Explorations. Free Online Learning allows learners to prepare for post-secondary education or their career and encourages the personal development needed to better understand our world and thrive as a global citizen.
New programs introduced in 2020/21 ∆ Business Information Technology Management– Artificial Intelligence ∆ Business Information Technology Management– Enterprise Systems ∆ Business of Sawmilling ∆ Digital Media Foundations ∆ Digital Transformation ∆ Essentials of Natural Resource and Environmental Protection ∆ Global Trade and Transportation Management ∆ Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction ∆ Master of Engineering in Smart Grid Systems and Technologies ∆ Music Business ∆ Professional Accounting
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WE ARE COMMITTED TO
Globally relevant
CONNECTIONS Celebrating BCIT Honorary Doctorate of Technology recipients BCIT presents honorary degrees to inspiring individuals who are widely recognized for outstanding and sustained achievements in their areas of expertise. Dr. Carol Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Linacare Cosmotherapy and Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee, was recognized with a BCIT Honorary Doctorate of Technology for her passion in building communities. Dr. Clive Beddoe, Principal Founder and past Chairman and CEO of WestJet Airlines, was also recognized with an Honorary Doctorate for the culture, executive team, and strategy which has helped make WestJet one of the most successful airlines in recent aviation history.
BCIT Marketing Association is a Top 5 Chapter in North America The BCIT Marketing Association (BCITMA) was selected from 300 North American post-secondary chapters to receive a top five recognition from the American Marketing Association at the 2021 International Collegiate Conference. In addition to the Chapter award, President of BCITMA, Emily Benson, led the club’s 86 students to win additional top titles across the conference. The success is testament to the outstanding leadership of BCIT marketing students and the incredible support they receive from their instructors.
Left: BCIT presented Honorary Doctorate of Technology degrees to Dr. Carol Lee and Dr. Clive Beddoe. Opposite: BCIT is partnering with industry to lead digital transformation and build the next generation of cybersecurity talent. 14
OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
BCIT and YVR create new Innovation Hub The BCIT Centre for Internet of Things is partnering with Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) new Innovation Hub to encourage industry excellence and drive economic growth across BC. This partnership provides a living lab for students and faculty to research new processes and technology from a wide spectrum of applications. “We are excited to share our technical expertise with YVR— our students will gain real-world experience exploring the endless possibilities for innovation advancement in this new living lab,” said Dr. Kim Dotto, Dean of BCIT Applied Research and the Centre for Research and Innovation.
Connecting with industry to power provincial resilience BCIT is connecting education with industry leaders to power economic resilience. The partnership with Microsoft and its Technology Education and Literacy in Schools program is training the next generation of tech professionals by teaching computational skills to high school students. BCIT is also partnering with Canadian Tire to support the training of future automotive technicians. Canadian Tire funds the Red Seal Certification training of its employees as they continue to work in store. There are currently four cohorts of Canadian Tire learners, with the first having graduated in June 2021. Elsewhere, BCIT is strengthening the marine sector by helping underrepresented groups launch their seafaring careers. The 17-week marine training program is a collaborative effort between BCIT, TransLink HR, and Coast Mountain Bus Company to assist women and Indigenous peoples interested in starting a career on the oceans. In addition, BCIT is assisting in closing the international cybersecurity skills gap and helping to reduce cyber risk in Canada by participating in Fortinet’s Security Academy Program.
Building the next generation of cybersecurity talent It’s predicted that the annual cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. In response to the global cybersecurity talent shortage, BCIT has partnered with EC-Council Canada and Circadence to develop a resilient cybersecurity workforce. In addition to offering a spectrum of cybersecurity programs and training, BCIT raised further digital awareness with Be Cyber Aware—a campaign aimed at fostering a culture of cyber awareness by educating on best practices for keeping data and privacy secure both at home and on campus.
BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
Leading digital transformation with new Centres BCIT launched the Centre for Digital Transformation—a resource hub for future-proofing education and careers, and to support industries across BC and the globe in transitioning towards a digital future. The Centre will attract interdisciplinary teams of experts from fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to collaborate, research, and share information on issues, best practices, and opportunities related to digital transformation. Training will also be available to support the development of digital skills across the wider workforce. As part of this important transformation, BCIT has also established the Centre for Internet of Things—allowing us to be at the forefront of this emerging technology by providing advanced hands-on education and training, industry collaboration, and research within the field.
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AWARDS We are proud of our BCIT students, faculty, and staff for all the impressive accomplishments made this year. This is a snapshot of some of the high-profile recognition earned in BC and around the world. STUDENT AWARDS FIRST PLACE/GOLD Andy Kesteloo Memorial Project Award, Canada Green Building Council’s 2020 Leadership and Green Building Excellence Awards Colin Pinchin Case Competition, American Marketing Association Led by Alex Izard and Jong Lee Connecting our Community through Technology Hackathon, City of Maple Ridge Callum Bowles, Jenna Kim, Habi Sivakaran, and Martina Todorova Leadership in Excellence Award, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Lester de Guzman SABRE Marketing Simulation Competition, American Marketing Association Lara Bragan, Eileen Bui, Brendan Foyle-Ostorga, Alex Izard, Aron Wong, and Janet Wong SARA National Student Design Award 2020, Society of American Registered Architects Anthony Marques Student Design Competition 2021, Interior Design Educators Council David Kim, Saebom Kim, and Jessica Tarumoto Top 5 Chapter in North America, American Marketing Association Led by Emily Benson SECOND PLACE/SILVER BBC Wildlife Magazine Photo Competition Macus Ong
THIRD PLACE/BRONZE Scotiabank Climate Change Challenge, Enactus Regional Competition 2021 Nicolas Candelaria and Daylen Sawchuk TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, Enactus Regional Competition 2021 Ruby Dale and Noah Jensen
FACULTY/STAFF AWARDS Gold, Applied Research and Innovation Excellence category, 2021 Awards of Excellence, Colleges and Institutes Canada BCIT Applied Research Bronze, Best Alumni Initiative, CCAE Prix d’Excellence Award, Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education BCIT Alumni Association, Alumni Holiday Market Community Stewardship, 2021 Environmental Stars, City of Burnaby BCIT South Wetland Restoration project 2021 ECO Canada Community Impact Award BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team and BCIT students Ashlynn Chen, Emily Kwok-Choon, and Tasha Vithaya Innovation in HR Practices by an Educational or Training Institution Award 2020, Electricity Human Resources Canada Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology —Electrical Power and Industrial Control Option Norman R. Farnsworth Excellence in Botanical Research Award, American Botanical Council Dr. Paula Brown, Canada Research Chair, Phytoanalytics, Director, BCIT Natural Health and Food Products Research Group
Jeanette Anderson Achievement Award, Simon Cox Student Design Competition, Technology for Living David Cui, Terrence Lam, and Stan Szeto Operations Management Competition, JDC West 2021 Kenton Duncan, Raelyn Pearson, and Jeffrey Salvo 2020 Technology Report Contest, Technology Accreditation Canada Aaron Froc, Larissa Lau, Morgan Scott, and Aida Tribinevicius
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OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION
OUR IMPACT For more than 55 years, BCIT has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges—across BC and around the world. The BCIT curriculum is developed through close consultation with industry and delivered by instructors who have direct, hands-on experience in their fields. Students gain the technical skills, real-world experience, and problem-solving ability needed to embrace complexity and lead innovation in a rapidly changing workforce. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutions, we contribute over $800 million in overall economic impact (gross income) and support the generation of 10,051 direct and indirect jobs.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
96%
employment rate for BCIT degree graduates*
BY THE NUMBERS
90%
employment rate for BCIT diploma and certificate graduates*
Nearly
97%
employment rate for BCIT apprentice completers*
45,000 students enrolled annually
28,500+ part-time students (2020/21) Over
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ZOOM STATS May 1, 2020–May 1, 2021 ∆ 215,922 meetings ∆ 150,043,452 meeting minutes ∆ 1,906,644 participants
Source: BC Student Outcomes, prepared by BC Stats, 2020 Source: https://www.bcit.ca/files/ir/pdf/facts_indigenous_students_2020.pdf, 2019–20 ¶ Source: 2020 Facts & Figures, Indigenous Students ‡ Source: BCIT Foundation 2020/21 Annual Report §
BCIT YEAR IN REVIEW 2020–2021
employment rate for BCIT trades foundation and trades-related vocational graduates*
5 campuses with over 300 programs Close to
1,650 Indigenous students
5,200 international students from almost 100 countries (2020/21) 2,600+ employees
*
93%
Over
195,000 alumni
STUDENT AWARDS GRANTED 2020/21 ∆ 1,779 recipients ∆ Over $2.5 million awarded‡
§
Cover image: The BCIT ‘Mobius Strip’ At BCIT, we identify with the intellectual wonder and creative feat of the boundless mobius strip. It also represents a continuum, an ongoing journey that we make together with our students. A year that was mired by uncertainty and distance has been transformed into one of unity. By empowering people to try something new or develop their learning, we have inspired new educational journeys towards the revival of BC and future global progress. We are people-focused. We are a place where relevant industry connections are made and continued throughout future careers. We all walk the mobius strip together, and our learning path is infinite.
bcit.ca/news OUR YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION