As BCIT welcomed students to the Fall term this week, it also celebrated the addition of two prestigious awards from The Georgia Straight’s 2023 Best of Vancouver Awards. BCIT has been named as number one in the Best Digital-Tech School category and runner-up in the Best School for Continuing Education category. This award recognizes the unwavering commitment of the Institute’s faculty and staff in ensuring excellence across its applied and industry-focused curriculum. In particular, providing industry-focused and flexible upskilling options to help learners quickly advance into in-demand jobs in Canada.
As one of British Columbia’s largest post-secondary and the only institute with a mandate for
development, BCIT has its finger on the pulse of what local employers are seeking. BCIT regularly consults with industry leaders to develop relevant courses that respond to the in-demand needs of the workforce.
Graduates are job-ready for the workforce
Learning at BCIT is hands-on and with programs taught by faculty who are industry experts in their fields. Throughout the BCIT program, students gain practical experience and professional network through internships, co-ops, practicums, apprenticeships, or industry-sponsored consulting projects. The impressive employment rate of graduates speak volume about the job-readiness of BCIT programs:
- 98% employment rate for BCIT degree completers*
- 91% employment rate for BCIT diploma and certificate graduates*
*Source: BC Student Outcomes, prepared by BC Stats, 2022
Connecting our people and industry
Collaboration with industry and government have supported BCIT in reducing barriers and improving pathways to education for all learners. In further supporting the province as one of the fastest-growing tech sectors in Canada, the BCIT Tech Collider, at the Downtown Campus in Vancouver, opened earlier this year as a multi-purpose learning centre where students, industry, and entrepreneurs connect to tackle real-world issues. Equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technologies, interactive screens, collaborative labs, and makerspaces, the Tech Collider is a collaborative place where innovative solutions to business challenges are forged.
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Preparing students for an in-demand job
Historically, continuing studies was mainly viewed as a non-credit form of education – perhaps for people who were retired, wanted to pick up a new skill, or were looking to try out a new hobby. Today – continuing studies is a broad descriptor for a range of educational offerings. At BCIT, continuing studies is “Flexible Learning”.
Flexible Learning encompasses a suite of learning options – part-time courses, microcredentials, industry services, and Free Online Learning courses – that allow you to choose when, where, how, and what you learn. According to the latest Labour Market Outlook, over one million job openings are projected in BC between now and 2032. While the demand for workers is strong, nearly 80% of the job openings over the next decade will require post-secondary education or training. Whether you’re a professional looking to pivot into the information technology (IT) industry, or a recent high school graduate with no relevant experience, BCIT is here to support you in developing the skills and knowledge to get into an in-demand digital-tech job in Canada.
Learn more about full-time and part-time learning options available at BCIT to help you get the skills you need for an in-demand job.