BCIT Provost and Vice President Academic Jennifer Figner met in 2025 with TPBC CEO John Leech to talk about engineering and applied science technology education at BCIT and in BC generally. The primary focus of the conversation was on BCIT’s current and future plans for the Diploma of Technology in fields of direct interest to TPBC.
“It was most helpful to learn about Technology Professions BC and TPBC’s role as an advocacy organization. I was pleased to learn about the work to promote careers in engineering and applied science technology, in particular with under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples and British Columbians with disabilities”, said Figner. John reviewed TPBC’s Statement on Accreditation, noting the growing number of endorsements for the Statement. Figner commented, “ TPBC’s Statement on Accreditation serves to inform of the benefits of accreditation, a process fully endorsed by BCIT. In fact BCIT recently sent a note of support for accreditation to Technology Accreditation Canada(TAC) indicating our endorsement of accreditation”. A few BCIT tech programs have TAC accreditation and TPBC is encouraging BCIT to re-new accreditations with TAC of all engineering technology programs.
John noted that messaging of engineering technology programs at BCIT has changed quite significantly in the past year, putting much greater emphasis on the Diploma programs. “There has been substantial change from a year ago on how BCIT markets on its web site diploma and degree programs, changes that really showcase the highly regarded and much needed diploma programs. We at TPBC applaud the changes and will work with BCIT in all ways possible to reinforce the great need for BCIT to present the Institute as a leader in the Diploma of Technology.”
Jennifer and John agreed that BCIT and TPBC will strive to work together on the marketing and delivery of tech education across BC, namely: meet with BCIT Deans to discuss areas of mutual interest and set the stage for future initiatives; re-ignite the BC Deans of Technology working group; collaborate on building information that speaks to the contribution to the BC and Canadian economies made by skilled technology practitioners; enhance awareness among under-represented groups; and, determine what more might be done to build programming in high school that grants credits at BCIT for high school students completing dual credit courses.
PHOTO CAPTION:
BCIT Provost and Vice President Academic, Jennifer Figner, meets TPBC CEO John Leech to talk tech education and careers. John presented Jennifer with a feather carved by Indigenous artist Alex Mountain.