At the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Partnering for Progress event, BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky shared a powerful message with business leaders: building a future-ready workforce is a shared responsibility—and BCIT is ready to partner.
From developing custom training, to sponsoring applied research, BCIT offers multiple avenues for businesses to collaborate and make an impact. Here are five meaningful ways your organization can leverage BCIT today:
1. Collaborate on Industry-Sponsored Student Projects
Leverage student talent to solve your business challenges. BCIT’s industry-sponsored projects connect students with organizations to co-create solutions that have immediate business value. Past partnerships include computing students developing a custom solution for Earls Kitchen + Bar, and business and research students collaborating with YVR (Vancouver International Airport) on transportation modelling. These projects provide businesses with fresh insights and give students invaluable hands-on experience—while often serving as a recruitment pathway for top talent.
2. Customize training for your industry
Equip your team with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing industry. BCIT works closely with organizations to co-design tailored training, from microcredentials to full certificate and diploma programs. Recent examples include Tesla and Canadian Tire supporting specialized cohorts of Automotive Service Technicians, and BC forestry leaders collaborating on an Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing. Whether you’re upskilling existing employees or onboarding new talent, BCIT delivers flexible, industry-aligned solutions.
3. Join a Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Have a direct voice in shaping BCIT’s programs and ensuring graduates meet industry needs. Program Advisory Committees bring together industry leaders and BCIT faculty to review and guide curriculum, ensuring programs stay relevant and responsive to evolving workforce demands. As a PAC member, you’ll help define the skills and knowledge graduates need to thrive—making a lasting impact on your industry’s talent pipeline. To learn more about joining a PAC, reach out to Cynthia Petrie, Vice President of External at BCIT.
4. Support applied research and innovation
Advance innovation in your sector by partnering with BCIT applied research experts. BCIT collaborates with organizations on applied research projects that translate discovery into practical solutions. Notable examples include Dr. Jaimie Borisoff and the MAKE+ Team’s work in developing mobility technologies for people with spinal cord injuries, and Dr. Paula Brown’s leadership with the BCIT Natural Health and Food Products Research (NRG) Group in supporting product development and regulatory compliance. Whether co-developing technology, piloting solutions, or funding research, the BCIT model is built for real-world impact.
5. Invest in student success and campus growth
Join visionary donors in expanding educational access and transforming learning spaces. Through the INSPIRE Campaign, supporters across many industries have helped build innovative learning environments including the Health Sciences Centre, and the Beedie Plaza—along with the upcoming the Trades and Technology Complex, and the Mott Electric Pavilion. Philanthropic investments also provide scholarships and awards that reduce barriers for students across diverse fields. Your support helps BCIT deliver inclusive, industry-ready education that powers BC’s economy.
Ready to partner with BCIT?
Contact Cynthia Petrie, Vice President of External, to learn how your organization can collaborate with BCIT on workforce development, research, and innovation initiatives.
This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT, OpenAI’s AI language model.