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.

Dean Goard was the second Principal of BCIT (1967-1974). Goard studied teaching and chemistry at UBC. He began his career as a metallurgist for six years at Vancouver Engineering Works and four years with the federal Department of Fisheries. In 1939 he began teaching at the Vancouver Technical School. He was the first Principal of the Vancouver Vocational Institute (VVI) where he was responsible for designing programs in line with business and industry needs. After twelve years at VVI he began working for the Vancouver School Board where he held a dual position; Assistant Director of Vancouver Community College and Assistant Director of Adult Education. After his retirement from BCIT he went on to be University Affairs Director for the province of BC.
Mr. Goard’s extra-curricular activities were numerous and he was president of many organizations including The Association for Continuing Education, BC Natural Resources Conference, Canadian Vocational Association (BC), Canadian Association for Adult Education, American Society for Metals (BC), Native Indian Service Council, Vancouver Citizenship Council, Children’s Aid Society (Vancouver).