Year in Review Issue No. 55 BCIT is empowering people, shaping BC, and inspiring global progress.
RELEVANCE. REACH. RENEWAL. We are delighted to share another year of impacts, innovations, and intentions with you on behalf of the Board, faculty, staff, and students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Relevance, reach, and renewal are the central tenets of our new BCIT Strategic Plan 2019–2022, which was approved by our Board this spring and reflects input from thousands of people and organizations in our BCIT community, both internally and externally. This Year in Review captures our measurable and remarkable impact — our faculty, staff, and students’ exceptional accomplishments, how BCIT is helping shape BC’s economy and environment, and how we are inspiring our people and the broader global community. It also reflects our continued commitment to supporting sustainability — embedded in our curriculum, reflected in our campuses, and fostered by on-the-ground applied research. We would like to thank everyone who has helped BCIT remain one of BC’s largest and most respected post-secondary institutes: our students, faculty and staff, industry partners, alumni, donors, and government partners. Your insights and ongoing connection will help BCIT to continue to meet the changing needs of industry in the workplace, future-proof education in the face of rapidly evolving technologies, and support truth, reconciliation, and Indigenization for the betterment of all people. We hope you share our pride and passion. Together, we can create an impactful present and inspired future.
Kathy Kinloch President
Doug Eveneshen Chair, Board of Governors
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).
Vision Empowering people. Shaping BC. Inspiring global progress.
Mission Partnering learners and industry for success through workforce development.
Helping military veterans transition into civilian careers p. 11
Canada’s first Industrial Network Cybersecurity program p. 12
BCIT hosts Ecocity World Summit p. 14
Above: Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration alumna and current Renewable Resources instructor, Julia Alards-Tomalin, tests water quality in the MacKay Creek estuary.
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AN INDIGENOUS VISION BCIT introduces An Indigenous Vision
The introduction of the Vision provides a focal point for the celebration of BCIT’s 25-year commitment to the enrolment and success of Indigenous learners — granting over 3,000 credentials to Indigenous learners in that time. Underpinned by successive strategies and plans, we have designed and delivered Indigenous programs and services since 1985, operated a dedicated Indigenous Services department since 1994, and worked and studied together in the BCIT Indigenous Gathering Place (Mi Chap Tukw) on the Burnaby Campus since 2011.
Truth is the foundation. Indigenization is the action. Reconciliation is the goal. BCIT is honoured to introduce An Indigenous Vision: A framework for action and accountability. This document represents our deep and continuous commitment to taking sustainable actions that build awareness and understanding around Truth, Reconciliation, Indigenization, the legacy of colonization, and the contemporary reality of Canada and Indigenous people.
BCIT has more than 1,700 Indigenous learners currently studying, and Indigeneity is increasingly reflected in the curriculum and teaching practices at BCIT. Yet, there is a great deal more to do.
“As we celebrate 25 years of Indigenous Services at BCIT, we affirm our commitment to the enrolment, support, and success of Indigenous learners,” said Kory Wilson, Executive Director of BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships. “Through An Indigenous Vision, we continue to fulfill the promise of a richer educational journey for everyone in our community. We are dedicated to cultivating partnerships and authentic relationships that lead to Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenization for the betterment of all.”
Endorsed by the BCIT Board of Governors, fully supported by the BCIT Leadership Team, and developed through extensive consultation with the broader BCIT community, An Indigenous Vision and its associated Implementation Plan provide the roadmap for moving forward.
Right: For some Northwest Coast First Nations, a Copper—a traditional copper shield—symbolizes wealth and power. Knowledge is power. A Copper gains value the more it changes hands and is broken and put back together. Life can be challenging, but much like a Copper, our students build strength as they gain knowledge and overcome challenges. That is why we chose the Copper to symbolize An Indigenous Vision. The artwork was created by Alano Edzerza, a Tahltan multimedia artist and entrepreneur based in West Vancouver, British Columbia. Left: Faculty member, Teresa Place, embraces a new graduate at the Honouring our Leaders celebration—a special convocation ceremony for BCIT Indigenous graduates and their supporters. 2
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Our Vision
EMPOWERING PEOPLE. Shaping BC. Inspiring global progress. Watch for these student-made Canadian innovations The entrepreneurial contestants at this year’s BCIT Student Innovation Challenge showcased projects that provide practical solutions to a broad range of issues across our communities, including those related to wildfires, food waste, agriculture, and more.
Below: Marketing Management and Food Technology students collaborate to take top prize at the Student Innovation Challenge. Right: Kathy Kinloch, President, BCIT; Elyse Allan, Former President & CEO, GE Canada; Nigel Bennett, Co-founder/Principal, Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc., Mechanical Engineering Technology ’85; Roberta Jamieson, President & CEO, Indspire; Mischa Steiner, Founder and CEO, Awesense Inc., Electronics-Wireless Communication & Computer Networks ’03; Tara Wilkie, Part-Time Studies Instructor, BCIT Forensics, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Fraser Health Authority, Registered Nurse ’12, Nursing, BSN ’14; Moshtagh Mohammadi, Engineering Technologist, McElhanney, Civil Engineering ’18; Kathy Corrigan, Board of Governors Chair, BCIT.
The winning Applied Research project controlled forest fires with firebombs dropped by drones, while the winning Entrepreneurship project tackled the problem of food waste by upcycling spent grain from beer breweries into edible by-products. Thousands of dollars in prize money was delivered and BCIT Applied Research is working closely with the winning teams to provide support in bringing their projects to life.
Trailblazer recognized for prevention of violence against women Pioneering Forensic Nursing Educator Sheila Early catalyzed significant change in the care and justice for sexual assault survivors. She founded the first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program for Canada in 1993 and aided in the building of the internationally renowned BCIT Forensic Nursing program. Co-founder of the Forensic Nurses’ Society of Canada, Sheila was the first non-American elected President of the International Forensic Nursing Association, which serves 3,500 nurses across 26 countries. Her unwavering commitment to delivering, promoting, and advocating for healthy lives and communities was recognized with the 2019 YWCA Women of Distinction Award – Health and Wellness category.
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Improving access to education in remote areas
Meet our 2019 Honorary Doctorate recipients
BCIT is reimagining flexible studies to facilitate reskilling and improve learner access. The first-ever remote delivery of a Refrigeration Mechanic Foundation program in Kitimat, BC is just one example of how we work with our peers and industry partners to drive prosperity throughout the province.
At our June Convocation ceremonies, BCIT recognized two accomplished, inspiring women with Honorary Doctorates of Technology. Dr. Elyse Allan is the former President and CEO of GE Canada and a passionate champion for Canada’s competitiveness— advancing the country’s science and technology base and competitive fiscal policy.
The successful outcome of a partnership between BCIT, the Haisla Nation Council, Coast Mountain School District #82, the Kitimat Valley Institute, and the Industry Training Authority, the program was designed to meet demand for refrigeration tradespeople in the Kitimat and Terrace area.
Dr. Roberta Jamieson is President and CEO of Indspire and Executive Producer of the Indspire Awards. A Mohawk woman, she has enjoyed a distinguished career of firsts, including the first First Nations woman in Canada to earn a law degree, first Ombudswoman of Ontario, and first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
The first graduating class included dual-credit high school students, adult learners, and members of the Haisla and Nisga’a Nations.
BCIT is honoured to celebrate these remarkable leaders. 5
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Our Vision
Empowering people.
SHAPING BC. Inspiring global progress. BCIT earns Top Employer spot
How this BCIT alumna mobilized the healthcare sector to help victims
In 2019, for the ninth consecutive year, our institution was recognized as one of British Columbia’s Top 100 Employers. The BC’s Top Employers judging panel recognized BCIT for its on-campus childcare and recreation facilities, full tuition subsidies, lifelong learning supports, and generous benefits package. Simultaneously, the exceptional leadership and significant accomplishments of President Kathy Kinloch, led her to be named one of Canada’s Most Admired CEOs for 2018.
After Tara Wilkie, a BCIT Nursing alumna and Forensic Health Sciences Instructor, took a trip to Thailand to establish a medical clinic for tribal children who were victims of sex trafficking, she felt immediately compelled to enrol in the BCIT program then called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Through the program and her work as a Registered Nurse with the Fraser Health Authority, she began to realize that trafficking was also a problem here in Canada. Aiming to raise awareness and understanding of human trafficking among health professionals, Tara worked with two of her colleagues to design and implement a ground-breaking online training module, now available worldwide. For her dedication and compassion, Tara was the recipient of the 2018 BCIT Faculty and Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award.
Industry experts leave a lasting impression at #BCTECHSummit The fourth annual #BCTECHSummit returned to Vancouver in March with more than 7,500 delegates, 100 speakers, and 260 exhibitors coming together to explore how emerging technologies are solving the greatest challenges facing BC and beyond. From a virtual reality program used to provide railway training in remote communities, to lifelike robotic manikins that mimic complex hospital settings — industry experts from BCIT demonstrated the innovative technology the Institute is harnessing to give students unique, hands-on learning opportunities.
BCIT Business students deliver business efficiencies to SPUD Brendan Evans, Jordan May, and Bradley Wong are BCIT Business Operations Management students who delivered impressive results through their business consulting project for local sustainable food delivery service, SPUD. Over three months, the team conducted extensive interviews, observations, investigations, and data analysis on a SPUD warehouse cleaning facility. From there, they designed a cost-effective and scalable solution to meet SPUD’s needs. Their eventual findings and recommendations are expected to generate an annual cost savings of nearly $600,000 for SPUD.
Left: Tara Wilkie, Part-Time Studies Instructor, BCIT Forensics, and Forensic Nurse Examiner, Fraser Health Authority. 7
Our Vision
Empowering people. Shaping BC.
INSPIRING GLOBAL PROGRESS. Government of Canada invests $6.2 million in marine training for underrepresented populations Over the next three years, BCIT and Camosun College will deliver a program to increase access to marine training courses for Indigenous communities. The joint project seeks to reduce barriers to marine training for underrepresented groups in the marine labour force, while consulting with Indigenous communities to establish the full scope of training to be delivered. BCIT and Camosun will also work with a number of industry partners, marine employers, and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer opportunities to gain hands-on experience at sea.
Aerospace students bring valuable insight at roundtable with Jean Charest The Honourable Jean Charest, former Deputy Prime Minister and Quebec Premier, visited the BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus to gather insight from students, faculty, staff, and industry leaders on the future of the Canadian aerospace industry. The productive roundtable discussions contributed to Vision 2025: Beyond our Imagination, an initiative to start a new dialogue between stakeholders that will chart a course for Canada’s future in the international aerospace sector. A report with recommendations that reflect BCIT’s input was released in the spring of 2019.
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Measuring and reducing vehicle emissions leads to green transport changes
Distinguished alumni changing the world through sustainability
Nestled along the south arm of the Fraser River on the Annacis Island Campus, the BCIT Emission Reduction and Research Test Hub (ERRTH) is making waves around North America. As an applied research facility with the only Portable Emissions Measurement System on the west coast, ERRTH provides the critical data needed to develop new technology that reduces engine emissions from vehicles. With more and more municipalities looking to electrify transportation systems to meet their greenhouse gas targets, the demand for people who are trained in the latest green-tech is growing.
At BCIT, sustainability and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Across industries, BCIT is preparing students to participate in an economy that delivers jobs while protecting the natural environment. Mechanical Engineering alumnus Nigel Bennett turned his longtime vision into reality when he founded Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc., a company that provides state-of-the-art oil spill response solutions. For Electronics-Wireless Communication and Computer Networks alumnus Mischa Steiner, his passion for sustainability culminated with the founding of Awesense Inc., a clean tech company that helps electric utilities optimize the electrical distribution grid by reducing avoidable electricity losses, reducing outages, and planning for the grid of tomorrow.
This unique lab immerses motive power students in hands-on learning and the new technologies necessary to solve the transportation challenges of tomorrow.
For their commitment to world-changing sustainability, Mischa and Nigel each received a 2018 BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award.
Left: A student receives hands-on marine training from a program delivered jointly by BCIT and Camosun College. Above: The Emission Reduction and Research Test Hub [ERRTH] at the Annacis Island Campus. 9
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WE ARE COMMITTED TO A
PEOPLE-FOCUSED organization
BCIT helps Canadian military veterans transition into civilian careers
BCIT touts competitive edge in new campaign: Industry Experts for a Complex World
The BCIT Legion Military Skills Conversion Program was the first program of its kind in Canada to assess an incoming student’s military experience and education — evaluating them to be fast-tracked into a credential program. BCIT’s Dr. Kevin Wainwright, Director, SITE Centre and Associate Dean, Broadcast and Media Communications, developed the program because he believed that the skills gained through workplace training and experience often go unacknowledged due to a lack of formal credentials. Since its inception in 2006, the program has grown to include post-secondary institutions across Canada who now have a framework to evaluate the training of military veterans, current reservists, first responders, tradespeople, and mature students from all walks of life.
Through a series of powerful videos and photography, this inspiring brand recruitment campaign tells the stories of outstanding BCIT faculty who are making a difference in their communities as well as inside the classroom. “The campaign highlights BCIT’s unique education model — developed through close consultation with industry and delivered by instructors who have direct, hands-on experience in their fields,” says Lara Johnson, BCIT Vice President, Marketing and Communications. View all the Industry Experts videos at bcit.ca/industryexperts
Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by one third
BCIT opens the Summit Centre: a one-stop shop for entrepreneurship
The newly formed BCIT energy management team has bold plans to reduce the Institute’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33 per cent over the next four years, compared to 2007 levels. “We are in a good position to meet our goals, and continue BCIT’s leadership in tackling real-world problems, such as climate change and carbon pollution,” says Colin Chan, BCIT Energy Manager. In collaboration with departments across the Institute, the energy management team will also help BCIT achieve its long-term goals to become greenhouse gas neutral as well as a net energy producer.
A joint initiative with the BCIT Student Association, BCIT launched the Summit Centre to offer support and programs for students to develop the skills needed to start their own ventures. The first of its kind at BCIT, the Summit Centre provides an end-to-end, one-stop shop for entrepreneurship skills and coaching. Students can utilize the Centre’s resources and dedicated space to start, grow, and scale their ventures, receive coaching and training, network and find mentorship, and explore opportunities to partner with other organizations.
Left: Sia Dezvareh, Instructor, Television and Video Production, teaches students how to use a 360-degree camera. Sia is featured in the Industry Experts campaign. 11
WE ARE COMMITTED TO
FUTURE-PROOF
applied education New programs introduced in 2018/19
Canada’s first Industrial Network Cybersecurity program
∆ Bachelor of Science Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science ∆ Full Stack Web Development diploma
With the prevalence and high costs associated with cybercrimes in Canada, BCIT has launched Canada’s first full-time, two-year diploma program in Industrial Network Cybersecurity. Built specifically at the request of industry and government, this program will provide graduates with the network security skills needed to understand the technology on the industrial side of an organization. Beginning September 2019, students will gain practical experience in defending network systems through interactive, hands-on scenarios.
∆ Industrial Network Cybersecurity diploma ∆ New Media Design and Web Development diploma ∆ Professional Real Estate advanced diploma ∆ Technical Arts advanced diploma ∆ Tech Entrepreneur option for Computer Systems Technology diploma ∆ Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity option for Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation ∆ Construction Drawings associate certificate ∆ Industrial Wood Processing associate certificate
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INSPIRE supports Health Sciences Centre
Training K-12 for the tech jobs of the future
This summer, BCIT broke ground on the ambitious Health Sciences Centre. Set to be one of the largest buildings of its kind in Canada, the Health Sciences Centre is a declaration of the Institute’s commitment to delivering superior hands-on training to interdisciplinary healthcare professionals across BC. In addition to providing modern teaching and learning spaces, the Health Sciences Centre will support the collaborative delivery of programs to students and serve as a primary gateway into the Burnaby Campus. Supported by the INSPIRE Campaign, the building is a bold investment in the future, reimagining our Burnaby Campus as a community where solutions to our most urgent challenges are born, tested, and readied for the world.
For over 50 years, BCIT has been at the forefront of applied education that aligns with industry trends. Through our partnership with Microsoft Corp. and their Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program, BCIT is helping to provide foundation computational skills to BC high school students. BCIT has been instrumental in redesigning the TEALS curriculum to better align Canadian educational standards with local industry. “The support and expertise from BCIT in helping to bring TEALS to BC and adapt the program for Canada as a partner has been invaluable,” said Kevin Wang, founder of TEALS at Microsoft. “We are incredibly thankful for their work with us.”
Providing specialized training for marine welders
Computing student develops Alexa app to combat common healthcare grievance
As the demand for welders continues to grow, so does the need for specialized courses to train welders in providing services unique to specific fields. BCIT collaborated with the National Shipbuilding Strategy and Seaspan to develop a three-week pilot program that offers specialized marine welding training to apprentice and certified welders. The success of this program has already led BCIT to implement three Seaspan-specific iterations of the course.
BCIT Computer Systems Technology student Michelle Wan collaborated with Specialty Nursing faculty Rob Kruger to develop an Amazon Alexa app that allows for better patient care and eases the challenge of patient record access in healthcare settings. This cloud-based voice service allows nurses to work hands-free and more efficiently in accessing patients’ diagnostics reports. This app has garnered wide-ranging interest and is currently used in the BCIT Nursing Simulation Lab to support nursing students at the bedside.
Left: Industrial Network Cybersecurity is the first program of its kind in Canada. Above: Artist’s rendering of the Health Sciences Centre. 13
WE ARE COMMITTED TO
Globally relevant
CONNECTIONS BCIT to host 2019 Ecocity World Summit Over 1,000 delegates from around the globe who are passionate about building cities in balance with nature will come together at the 2019 Ecocity World Summit from October 7–11 in Vancouver. Sustainably-minded professionals will work together to address the complex climate issues facing humanity and build a bridge to socially just and ecologically sustainable cities. BCIT is proud to be working with the City of Vancouver and green partners from around the world to host the 2019 Ecocity World Summit. From green roofs and living walls, to smart micro grids and zero emission transportation solutions, our unique living lab education model is leading the way to training the next generation of ecocity builders.
The global economy of the future: A conversation with Dr. Dominic Barton Disruptive technologies and fluctuating economic trends are rapidly transforming our workplaces, homes, and communities. BCIT President Kathy Kinloch hosted Dr. Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company and BCIT Honorary Doctorate recipient, for an insightful discussion with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade on what needs to be done to attract, train, and retain the skilled talent that will drive our economy — across BC and around the world.
Left: Dr. Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company; 2016 BCIT Honorary Doctorate of Technology. Right: The 2019 Ecocity World Summit will be held at one of the world’s greenest meeting venues, the Vancouver Convention Centre. 14
BCIT Business adds Japan to field school offerings
Alumni Association counts 40 years of international impact
BCIT Business summer field schools combine academic lectures held by BCIT instructors and international guest speakers, with company visits and immersive cultural activities. Visiting locations like Spain, Austria, and Italy students participate in the adventure of a lifetime, while earning BCIT course credits and gaining valuable international business acumen. Japan was added as a field school destination in 2018 with travel to Nagoya, Tokyo, and Yokohama and site visits to industry-leading companies like Sony, SEGA, and Toyota.
In 2019, the BCIT Alumni Association (BCITAA) celebrated both the launch of its first international chapter and the occasion of its 40th anniversary. The new Hong Kong alumni chapter will connect alumni and support BCIT’s extensive international activities in the region. “This is an historic day for the BCIT Alumni Association, establishing our first international alumni chapter as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2019,” said BCITAA President Emil Bosnjak. “Our alumni are everywhere, in every sector, making vital contributions to the economy, with far-reaching impact across the globe.” BCIT alumni now number more than 185,000, with 9,500 living abroad in more than 90 countries around the world.
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STUDENT AWARDS In everything from sales to sheet metal— a snapshot of some of the high profile hardware BCIT students earned this year. FIRST PLACE/GOLD
SECOND PLACE/SILVER
2019 Canadian Media Educators National Student Awards – Long Documentary winner Ben Ronald, Graham Cox, Michael Panes, and Sierra Simpson
American Marketing Association International Collegiate Competition, Wall Street Journal Case Competition – Second place BCIT Marketing Association students
2019 Great Canadian Sales Competition – National Champion Martina Carstairs
Skills Canada BC 2019 – Silver Demetrius Koabel, CNC Machining Dylan Baker, Cabinetmaking Emmanuel Tin, Motorcycle and Power Equipment Krystian Maron, Automation and Control (Electrical) Max Melling, Precision Machining Rayan Dueridian, Industrial Mechanic – Millwright
2019 Go2HR’s Winning Pitch – First place, Provincial winner Caitlin Ledingham, Eleanor Canning, Marni Weinstein, and Zophia Espinosa Skills Canada BC 2019 – Gold Avery Bell, Cabinetmaking Colton Adaway, Precision Machining Conner Pavan, Automation and Control (Electrical) Corey Bickford, Sheet Metal Daniel Backman, Motorcycle and Power Equipment Giovanni Porta, IT Network Systems Administration Liam Clazie-Thomson, CNC Machining Skills Canada National Competition 2019 – Gold Avery Bell, Cabinetmaking Giovanni Porta, IT Network Systems Administration 2019 Canadian Mining Games – First place BCIT Mining and Mineral Resource students, Environmental Challenge
100%
National Geomatics Competition 2019 – Second place Benoit Chevrette, Katie Conconi, and Meghan McLellan
THIRD PLACE/BRONZE Canadian Engineering Competition 2019 – Third place Jake Jarvis, Joshua Lang, Luke Pankratz, and Terry Calderbank, Senior Design Skills Canada BC 2019 – Bronze Anton Cheblakov, Automation and Control (Electrical) Joden Bartel, Motorcycle and Power Equipment Liam Purgavie, Industrial Mechanic – Millwright Lucas Malo, Welding Matthew Fisher, Precision Machining Patricio Todio, CNC Machining Rahim Habib, Automotive Service Seena Gouchani, Aerospace Technology Skills Canada National Competition 2019 – Bronze Corey Bickford, Sheet Metal JDC West 2019 Business Technology – Third place Lucas Ishikawa, Stephanie Uittenbosch, and Jeffrey Salvo
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OUR IMPACT Since 1964, BCIT has been leveraging work integrated learning opportunities to train the experts, innovators, and professionals who shape our economy — across BC and around the world. Through our unique applied education model, BCIT students gain the technical skills, real-world experience, and problem-solving ability needed to lead innovation in our rapidly changing workforce. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes, we contribute over $807 million in overall economic impact (gross income) and support the generation of over 10,151 direct and indirect jobs.
Student outcomes
By the numbers
98%
Over
of BCIT degree graduates are employed
92%
of BCIT diploma and certificate graduates are employed
96%
of BCIT apprentice completers are employed
50,000 5 300 32,000 1,700 5,700 2,500 185,000
students enrolled annually
campuses with over
Approximately
programs part-time students
Over
Indigenous students
Over
international students from
110
employees
Approximately
alumni
Over
Sustainability ranked globally To better understand the environmental impact of programs, policies, and practices at BCIT, we took part in the 2018 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, which measures commitment to developing environmentally friendly infrastructure. BCIT ranked in the top 50 per cent of 1,437 participating universities and, impressively, in the top 20 per cent for two indicators: waste, and energy and climate change. Source: BCIT Institutional Reports 2018/19, 2018 BC Student Outcomes Report
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countries
bcit.ca/news
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