Students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are benefitting from $250,000 in program and equipment funding as they prepare for in-demand careers in computer and information technology.

“Our $250,000 investment at BCIT supports the #BCTECH Strategy by increasing spaces for technology related programming and deepens the tech talent pool,” said Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “The tech sector is one of the fastest growing industries and our government is working to ensure that students are prepared for a successful future in this field.”

The $250,000 supports a computing expansion plan at BCIT, which includes enhanced fast-track technology programming. The funding will help create an additional 50 seats in full-time programs, including the two-year Computer Information Technology diploma. The funding also supports the purchase of cutting-edge virtual desktop infrastructure and educational technology for the downtown campus.

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“Applied education and industry partnerships are at the heart of BCIT computing and IT graduate success,” said BCIT president Kathy Kinloch. “This funding recognizes the valuable contribution BCIT graduates make to the high-tech sector and is an investment in those future students who are eager to enter this thriving job market.”

Funding computing and information technology programming supports the talent pillar of the #BCTECH Strategy, which is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of a vibrant technology sector and strengthen the diverse innovation economy in B.C. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.

As part of the computing expansion plan, BCIT-led renovations at the downtown campus will increase capacity for in-demand full- and part-time programs and are key to the expansion of student spaces in high-technology courses.

“It’s exciting to see the B.C. government investing in education expansion to support the tech sector’s requirements for talent development,” said Copperleaf CEO Judi Hess. “At Copperleaf, we are growing rapidly and depend on local post-secondary institutions like BCIT to produce the next generation of bright and creative employees.”

According to the British Columbia 2025 Labour Market Outlook, careers in the information technology field are ranked among the top opportunity occupations throughout the province. For example, information systems analysts and consultants are expecting approximately 9,100 job openings while computer programmers and interactive media developers are expecting 7,800 openings by 2025. The province is also expecting 3,800 openings for computer network technicians.

BCIT offers a variety of certificate, diploma and degree programs and enrols approximately 18,000 full-time students annually. 

In partnership with the BC Innovation Council, the Province is hosting B.C.’s second #BCTECH Summit, March 14-15, 2017, with made-in-B.C. tech innovations, thought-provoking keynotes and outstanding networking opportunities. To register or learn more, go to: http://bctechsummit.ca

Learn More:

#BCTECH Strategy: http://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

BCIT: http://www.bcit.ca/