The BCIT Marketing and Communications Department began in 1974 in conjunction with BCIT’s first year as an autonomous entity under a Board of Governors rather than under the direct control of the British Columbia Department of Education. BCIT Principal Gordon A. Thom created three new Executive Directorships in this year: Technology and Education; Administration; and Personnel, Information Services and Student Services. The Marketing and Communications Department started as an area of service provided under the Executive Director, Personnel, Student Services and Information Services. It was known as Information Services although the term “communications” was used to describe its duties and responsibilities. The first Director of Information Services was recruited in 1975 and was responsible for information dissemination among BCIT staff, students, faculty and the public. Ensuring relevant parties were aware of decisions and developments at BCIT and providing a mechanism for feedback. In 1975 the Director of Information Services began work on an information policy for BCIT and revived the newsletter “Developments” which enhanced internal BCIT communications.
In 1977 Information Services was moved under the Human Resources Division. During this time Information Services continued its broad-based program of internal and external communications. The department served as liaison between federal and provincial governments on the residence project, participated in presentations on Bill 82, and began work on revitalizing the Alumni Association.
In 1979 Information Services, still under Vice President Human Resources, underwent a name change and was known as the Public Relations department.
After the merger with the Pacific Vocational Institute in 1985 the department was again moved and given a name change. Now known as Community Relations, the Director of Community Relations/Development reported to the Vice President of Student Services and Educational Support.
In 1964 BCIT opened it’s doors with two Health programs; Medical Radiology and Medical Laboratory for a total of 73 students enrolled. BCIT shared training responsibility with various designated hospitals. On successful completion, the student was awarded a certificate.
Currently the School of Health Sciences runs programs in ten main areas of study:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrodiagnostics
- Food Safety and Processing
- Health Care Management
- Health Protection
- Laboratory Sciences
- Medical Imaging Technologies
- Nursing & Specialty Nursing
- Therapeutics
These include degree and post-degree programs as well as the entry-level programs.
The School of Health Sciences maintains the quality and relevance of its health training programs through close liaison with employers and professional associations. Maintaining the traditions of BCIT there are Advisory committees for each program. Students can expect provincial, national and international accreditation; regular external and internal program assessments; a variety of professional development provisions for faculty and staff; and integration of a variety of learning strategies, including industrial experience through projects and practicums.
On April 1st, 1978, Pacific Vocational Institute (PVI) assumed its official status as an independent crown corporation. PVI was to function under one board of industrial representatives who would maintain direct financial control, planning and operation of the institution.
Appointed by cabinet, the following individuals were named to the board of governors:
Mr. Leslie R. Redford, Frank Redder, Don Fearey, Jake Wyman, Donald Doyle, E. A. Killough, T. Wyman Trineer, T. Stuart Mathieson, and Nadine Sherwin.
The PVI Board of Governors had three senior officers:
L.R. Redford 1978-1981
T.W. Trineer 1981-1984
F. Sondergaard 1985-1986
By 1983, the school registered about 23,000 students a year. Classes consisted of accounting, aviation, business administration, clerical, marketing, construction, building service, painting and decorating, food training, graphics, photography, industrial safety, instructor training, personal development, mechanical, piping, plumbing and gas, steel, welding, drafting, electrical, industrial electronics for electricians, industrial mathematics, non-destructive testing, and refrigeration.
Henry Justesen was the sole Principal of PVI, 1978-1986.
The BCIT Safety, Security and Emergency Management department works with BCIT academic programs and service areas in providing a safe, secure and disaster resilient environment.
The Canadian Vocational Association was created in 1960 by federal charter as a non-profit organization to promote and foster education and training which leads to occupational competence.
The Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) is the home of BCIT's three dedicated research groups: MAKE+, Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG) and Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART), supporting labs. Formerly known as the Technology Centre, it has been a hub of multi-disciplinary research and development projects for business and industry since 1989. Research activities at CARI focus on product and process development and evaluation; Smart Microgrid research; and product quality and process improvement relating to natural health and food products. CARI is also home to the Applied Research Liaison Office (ARLO), which supports faculty, researchers, students across BCIT and their industry partners.
MAKE+ is a group of multidisciplinary research staff focused on product and process development, evaluation, applied research projects, and education. The MAKE+ sub group PART (Product and Process Applied Research Team), is the only academic product development group in Canada registered to IS0 13485 (Medical Devices) Quality Management Systems.
The First Nations Program and Services department was created at BCIT in 1994 after the Institute received funding through the First Nations Education Coordinator's grant from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology. Brenda Ireland, was the first Coordinator, First Nations Programs in 1995. The BCIT Indigenous Team has grown and adapted over the years since then. This includes several name changes over the years.
In 1998 BCIT was still the only institute in BC (possibly Canada) to employ a full-time cultural/spiritual advisor to support indigenous learners. Elders on Campus is still a strong program and BCIT. Elders are the keepers of Indigenous knowledge and encourage and promote understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives, culture, and values across BCIT campuses and beyond. Bob George was BCIT’s first Indigenous Elder in residence and a rock for many who attended BCIT over the ten years that he held this position. Alf Dumont is the current Elder on Campus (2023).
The Indigenous Gathering Place opened in November 2011. It is a comfortable, welcoming and safe space for students, families and staff. Mi Chap Tukw, the BCIT Indigenous Gathering Place (IGP) is located on the Burnaby campus at SW1-1521. IGP was made possible through the Gathering Place Grant from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development of B.C in 2008.
Canadian Pacific Airlines was created in May of 1942 as a subsidiary branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway. They began with the purchase and amalgamation of ten smaller airlines, subsuming their aircraft and most of their staffing:
• Ginger Coote Airways, Vancouver;
• Yukon Southern Air Transport, Vancouver and Edmonton;
• Canadian Airways, Winnipeg;
• Wings Ltd., Winnipeg;
• Prairie Airways, Moose Jaw;
• Mackenzie Air Services, Edmonton;
• Arrow Airways, The Pas, Manitoba;
• Starratt Airways, Hudson, Ontario;
• Quebec Airways, Montreal, Quebec
• Dominion Skyways, Montreal, Quebec
CP Airlines operated for the first seven years as a domestic regional carrier, and was heavily involved in the war effort. They participated in three branches of the Second World War; transport operations, air observer schools, and repair plants across Canada. In 1949 the headquarters moved from Edmonton to Vancouver. CP Airlines continued to expand across the globe, being the first airline to offer service from Vancouver to Amsterdam by way of the arctic circle – thereby cutting hours off the flight time.
CP Airlines was notable for staying on the cutting edge of the jet era. They regularly updated their aircraft and served Australia, Asia, and European destinations. Staff of note include G. W. McConachie and C. H. Dickens.
CP Airlines was sold to Pacific Western Airlines in 1987, ceasing to operate under the CP Air banner. The combined airlines of CPA and PWA flew as Canadian Airlines until 2001, when they were bought out by Air Canada.
Michael Kluckner is a writer, artist, illustrator and author of several books. His early books on the history of Canadian cities, heritage, planning issues and art, include; "Vancouver, The Way It Was," "Vanishing Vancouver," "Paving Paradise," and "British Columbia in Watercolour." They won several awards, including the Duthie Prize, the Vancouver Book Prize, the Toronto Book Prize (short list), the Hallmark Society (Victoria) Award of Merit and the Heritage Canada Medal of Achievement. "Toshiko" (2015) is his first graphic novel.
Kluckner worked for the BCIT Student Association creating illustrations for the Link, and other BCIT publications from 1976-1979 and then part time from 1980-1981. He taught night school at BCIT from 1980-1985.
From the 1990s until present Kluckner has been heavily involved with the Vancouver heritage community. Including serving on boards and volunteering in various capacities with: the Vancouver Heritage Commission, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, the Vancouver Historical Society, the Grandview Heritage Group, Heritage Vancouver Society, the Langley Heritage Society; from 1996 until 2001, he was the British Columbia member of the board of governors of the Heritage Canada Foundation, and served as chair from 1998-2000.
For a brief period (2006-2009) Kluckner and his wife, author, Christine Allen, lived in Australia.
First Vice-Principal of BCIT.