A big, bold BCIT year

In a time of accelerated technological shifts, persistent labour challenges, and pressing economic conditions, 2025 affirmed the critical role of BCIT in partnering with industry and government in building a strong and resilient workforce where everyone thrives.

As a polytechnic, BCIT has a unique provincial mandate to fuel workforce development. Each year, more than 40,000 students graduate job-ready, with a 93% employment rate for degree grads.

Reflecting on the year, it’s evident that the BCIT impact extends beyond classrooms, shops, and labs. We’re shaping purpose-driven careers, driving innovation, and strengthening communities across BC and beyond.

BCIT 2025 at a glance

Expanding flexible pathways to education

Whether it’s awarding credit for non-traditional learning or tailoring programs to meet students where they are, BCIT offers pathways for diverse learners to explore careers in BC’s most in-demand fields.

• Through a bootcamp version of the Industrial Networking for Cybersecurity Professionals program, Canadian Armed Forces veterans are gaining in-demand skills to support Canada’s growing cybersecurity needs.
• The BCIT Indigenous Youth Gathering welcomed more than 80 Indigenous high school students to explore post-secondary opportunities and career pathways.
• With the youth population more aware than ever of the dangers of climate change, Dr. Jennie Moore, Director of BCIT Institute Sustainability, led the UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board in a discussion about empowering youth as climate leaders, emphasizing the need for climate education to be flexible, accessible, and reflective of diverse worldviews. Similarly, the BCIT Centre for Ecocities launched two online tools to help local communities take meaningful climate action.

Advancing student success and wellbeing

BCIT takes a holistic approach to help students thrive throughout their educational journey. When students flourish, they bring resilience and prosperity to the workplaces and communities they become a part of.

• The newly opened Tall Timber Student Housing combines sustainability and comfort to provide 469 beds for long- and short-term student housing, with priority access for Indigenous students and former youth in care.
• Skilled trades remain in high demand, but recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges. The BCIT ConnectHer Hub supports women and gender-diverse students while building a more inclusive and resilient trades workforce.
• The BCIT South Campus Infrastructure Renewal project is underway to enhance public spaces, improve accessibility, and create a more vibrant and inclusive campus environment for students, employees, and the community.

Harnessing AI and technology-driven solutions for real impact

Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly changing how people work and live. BCIT is leveraging these tools to address some of BC’s most pressing challenges while equipping students with the skills needed for a future-ready workforce.

• The new BCIT Bachelor of Creative Industries is the first interdisciplinary program of its kind in Western Canada, preparing graduates to lead and innovate in the evolving creative economy.
• In the healthcare sector, the AI in Healthcare microcredential course helps professionals develop the AI literacy needed to advance BC’s healthcare system.
• BCIT researchers are integrating AI to enhance wildfire management efforts, while another group is developing an award-winning and revolutionary wheelchair capable of navigating uneven terrain and tackling daily mobility tasks.
• BC is home to one of Canada’s largest aerospace clusters, generating an estimated $2.5 billion in revenue annually. As one of Canada’s largest aviation training providers, BCIT introduced two advanced flight training simulators to deliver safer and more immersive training and ready students for the changing demands of the aerospace industry.

Partnering with industry for a strong and resilient workforce

BCIT will continue to lead in bridging the gap between education and employment – connecting businesses with skilled talent through co-ops, internships, industry projects, applied research, as well as offering a full range of credentials from single-credit courses to master’s degrees.

With the first cohort of the Master of Science in Applied Computing well underway, the program is now opening its internship placements for industry to collaborate directly with students on real-world projects. These placements allow businesses to access emerging talent and innovative ideas while providing students with hands-on experience.

Beyond internships, BCIT offers additional avenues for industry collaboration, including customized training and applied research partnerships.