A new brand reputation survey conducted by Academica Group concluded that the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) ranked number one for delivering job-ready graduates.
The 2026 BCIT Brand Reputation Tracking Report surveyed more than 1,680 respondents across the Lower Mainland of BC, including the working population, teens, post-secondary students, parents, and business leaders who have an active role in hiring employees.
Respondents were asked an open-ended, unaided question: What post-secondary institution’s graduates are the most job-ready? Without being shown a list of post-secondary institutes, respondents across all five audience groups most frequently named BCIT.
“The survey demonstrates the strength and reputation of BCIT in delivering industry-focused, applied education that prepare graduates for job-readiness,” said Lara Johnson, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications, BCIT. “It also reinforces the Institute’s commitment to supporting students in their academic, personal, and professional success.”
“With this study, BCIT is proactively staying in touch with the perspectives of the broader community that it serves,” said Claire Henderson, Research Manager, Academica Group. “Understanding those perspectives is crucial for any institution as it pursues its vision and mission and, in this case, the findings demonstrate that BCIT is successful in fulfilling its role in the BC post-secondary education system.”
The report’s findings align with BCIT’s long-standing record of strong employment outcomes achieved by graduates. This includes an employment of 95% for degree graduates and 99% for apprentice.*
BCIT graduates get hired
As a BC post-secondary with a provincial mandate for workforce development, BCIT collaborates closely with industry and government to develop curriculum that meets labour market demands.
Courses are also taught by instructors who are experienced professionals in their fields and BCIT students learn through practical, hands-on experiences. Throughout their educational journey, students begin gaining real-world experience and industry connections through work-integrated learning opportunities. These include co-ops, practicums, internships, Industry Sponsored Student Projects, and more.
Alongside its applied and industry-focused education, BCIT offers holistic supports and resources to help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Graduates enter the workforce job-ready, with the resilience to innovate and succeed in purpose-driven careers.
BCIT is a top choice for workforce readiness
Beyond job readiness, survey respondents also recognized BCIT’s broader role in supporting BC’s economy and workforce needs. Among business influencers, 89% agreed that BCIT helps BC’s economy by graduating skilled students who are ready for work. The working population also strongly associated BCIT with workforce training and practical experience.
The 2026 BCIT Brand Reputation Tracking Report findings reinforce the role of BCIT in partnering with industry and government to build a future-ready workforce.
Quick facts about BCIT
- BCIT is one of the largest post-secondary institutes in BC, servings over 40,000 students annually across five campuses in BC.
- BCIT degree graduates have a 95% employment rate, while apprentice completers have a 99% employment rate.*
- BCIT offers 300+ programs, from certificates and diplomas, to bachelor’s and master’s degree – in Applied and Natural Sciences, Business and Media, Computing, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Trades and Apprenticeship.
- BCIT Flexible Learning offers flexible pathways that empower learners to explore career opportunities, build on existing experience, and continuously upskill – all while balancing work and life.
*BC Student Outcomes, prepared by BC Stats (2025).
About the 2026 BCIT Brand Reputation Tracking Report
The 2026 BCIT Brand Reputation Tracking Report was conducted by Academica Group. The online survey was conducted from February 11 to March 9, 2026, among Lower Mainland respondents across five mutually exclusive audiences: working population, teens, post-secondary students, parents, and business influencers. Results were weighted by gender within each target audience. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.2%, 19 times out of 20. The margin of error is larger for sub-groups.
About the British Columbia Institute of Technology
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes, serving over 40,000 students annually across five campuses. BCIT delivers flexible, industry-focused education, with programs developed in collaboration with employers and taught by experienced professionals. Through applied, hands-on learning, BCIT prepares graduates for job-readiness across sectors including applied and natural sciences, business and media, computing and IT, engineering, health sciences, and trades. Together with industry and government, BCIT is building a future-ready workforce in BC and beyond.
About Academica Group
Academica Group is a Canadian market research and consulting firm that works with Canadian postsecondary institutions. For nearly three decades, Academica has provided market research, data-driven insights, and strategic advising to institutions across Canada. Academica works closely with postsecondary leaders to help them better understand the community members they serve, strengthen their programming and brand, and engage in organizational change.