On September 24, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Cansel unveiled the Cansel Computer Lab at SW3 in recognition of the organization’s generous gift of Trimble Business Centre software valued at $1.4 million to the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign. In a surprise statement at the event, Cansel announced an extension of their gift ensuring students will have access to the software for an additional five years and they will also continue to provide two graduating achievement awards for Geomatics students for the same period of time.
The Cansel Computer Lab, named in recognition of the industry leader and donor, is equipped with the innovative software giving students hands-on experience with the latest technology in land surveying and data mapping. This software will enhance the applied learning experience of students by allowing them to work with geospatial data which will better prepare them for careers in the surveying and mapping fields in BC and across Canada.
Since 2018, Cansel has supported students in the Geomatics program through scholarships and awards. Their continued partnership and latest commitment highlight the critical role that industry plays in helping BCIT deliver job-ready education. With an estimated one million job vacancies in BC and 80% of them requiring skills training, Cansel’s support is helping BCIT equip students with the necessary tools needed to build a stronger workforce in BC.
Iliana Tsali, Segment Manager, Cansel
“By offering scholarships and providing modern software and tools, we believe we create a mutually beneficial relationship for Cansel, BCIT, and students. Our pride in our business comes with a responsibility to support young professionals and equip educational institutions with the resources needed to help students thrive in their careers.”
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, BCIT President
“Cansel’s extended donation is extraordinary and a tremendous surprise. It increases access to transformational applied learning which will go to serve not only the needs of our students, but that of the province. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support and dedication which allows us to continue to future-proof education and prepare learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges.”
About the British Columbia Institute of Technology
For nearly 60 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, 300+ programs, and over 45,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce.
About Cansel
Cansel was founded in 1966, generating approximately $100 in total revenue during its first month. Today, it stands as the largest distributor of land-based positioning systems in North America, with 12 locations across Canada and two in the United States, employing over 800 people. For more than 50 years, Cansel has focused on supplying equipment and software to the surveying, engineering, construction, mining, utility, forestry, and government sectors.