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BC’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2017
There’s a sense of belonging at BCIT
A
s a shop foreman at an automotive dealership for many years, Mubasher Faruki worked closely with young apprentices and technicians-in-training. So when he was approached by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to be an instructor, Faruki saw it as an ideal opportunity to harness his practical experience to help shape the next generation of automotive technicians. Twelve years later, as Associate Dean of BCIT’s Automotive Department, Faruki is doing just that. The sky’s the limit in terms of where you want to go professionally and personally. Mubasher Faruki Associate Dean, Automotive
Faruki’s story is a common one at BCIT, a polytechnic institute that works closely with industry to equip career-ready graduates in a wide range of fields, including applied and natural sciences, business and media, computing and IT, trades, and health sciences. For students, BCIT offers practical, hands-on studies that deliver an immediate benefit: 91 per cent
MUBASHER FARUKI, ASSOCIATE DEAN, AUTOMOTIVE AT BCIT
of employed degree graduates are working in their fields of study. For faculty and staff, BCIT provides an opportunity to make a positive contribution while also growing and thriving as individuals and professionals. “One thing I quickly realized is that the sky’s the limit in terms of where you want to go professionally and personally,” says Faruki. “This is such a diverse organization and there is a deep pool of endless possibilities of where you can take your career. At the same time, you are able
to see your students excel and contribute back to your industry. That’s incredibly gratifying.” BCIT encourages employees to continue their education and keep their skills sharp with tuition subsidies for courses both related and unrelated to their current positions. It also allows employees to balance their work and personal lives through initiatives such as flexible work hours, telecommuting and an earned days-off program. Ana Lopez, BCIT’s Vice President of Human Resources and People Development, joined the school
— SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE NEXT GENERATION.
EDUCATION FOR A COMPLEX WORLD.
last July after many years as a human resources leader in the transportation sector. “It was a unique opportunity to bring my experience to another field,” says Lopez. “In many workplaces, it’s about ‘did you just deliver on time?’ Here it’s about shaping future careers and leaders. That gives people a real sense of belonging and passion around what they do.” Central to BCIT’s success is its strong connection to industry, which has direct input into curriculum through advisory committees. “We rely on our industry partners to keep us informed about current and future needs,” says Lopez. “We are also continuously looking for employees with industry-specific expertise to ensure we remain cutting-edge leaders in our field.”
1,870
full-time staff
11,781
job applications received last year
310
jobs available last year
50%
of board of directors are women