Advanced Diploma in Technical Arts

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

Podcasts, YouTube video series, streaming radio, audio books, commercial web series, sports coverage, and of course, traditional radio—all these media arts industries are looking for more and more skilled people to run, host, program, and manage the growing amount of content in today's digital world.

To give you the real-world skills and experience you need for a successful career in media arts and entertainment, BCIT has developed this job-focused, two-year program. In this program, you'll prepare for a media career in a variety of fields by studying things like audio, video, reporting, coordinating, and event planning. Additionally, you'll get invaluable hands-on experience with two practicums and work at Canada's only student-run radio station, Evolution 107.9.

• 90% of grads find work in a related industry within 3 months of graduating
• The only campus in Canada where students run every aspect of the school radio station, Evolution 107.9

Work Integrated Learning
Every full-time diploma program has a practicum component where students spend time with an industry partner (TV and Radio stations; production, sports and entertainment companies). Practicums are typically four weeks in duration. In addition to practicum, students may have the opportunity to enter co-op in level four.

Who should apply for the BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment Diploma?
If you’re interested in a unique career in new entertainment media, including digital and analog radio, podcasts, broadcasts, and more, this program is for you.

You’ll be successful in this program and career if you are:

• Flexible and can think on your feet
• Creative
• Energetic and outgoing
• Lively
• Dynamic
• People-smart and a savvy problem solver

Are you interested and excited about the field of marketing, but not sure in which option to specialize?
The first year undeclared option in Marketing Management allows students to explore a variety of marketing topics, gain a general business education, and attend industry events in Year 1 before deciding on a marketing concentration.

A very limited number of seats will be available for undecided students who will like to explore their first year in the marketing program prior to selecting one of four specializations: Entrepreneurship, Marketing Communications, Professional Sales, and Tourism Management.

Program Highlights

• One year option that leads directly into a Year 2 specialization: Marketing Communications, Tourism Management, Professional Sales, or Entrepreneurship
• Real-world learning with professional instructors
• Business consultant project and practicum provide hands-on experience
• After graduation, transition to the workforce or apply to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at BCIT with full-time or part-time evening courses

Visit the Program Matrix to learn about the courses and the Program Entry page to start your marketing career today.

In this program, you’ll train thoroughly for the behind-the-scenes jobs available in the growing world of video production. This includes working closely with industry professionals to learn the skills today’s employers are looking for, all to help prepare you for your dream career as an editor, video producer, film maker, and more.

Through BCIT’s Television & Video Production diploma program, you’ll prepare and deliver programming that’s broadcast weekly on Shaw TV, streamed online, and delivered through online video services. As part of earning experience in every facet of production, you’ll rotate through various roles, including writing scripts, shooting and editing, directing, lighting, and audio mixing.

Because BCIT’s first goal is to prepare you for a successful career, we regularly update and adapt our course offerings and hours to meet changing industry conditions and demands. Some classes and practicums may take place outside of normal class hours, including evenings and weekends to offer flexible training opportunities for students.

To give you even more current, relevant experience, you’ll participate in a 4-week practicum with a TV station, film studio, or media production company to learn on the job and develop connections throughout the industry. Students find practicums in communities throughout the province, across the country, and around the world!

Are you ready for the intensive, dynamic training you need to begin or advance your career in marketing or advertising communications? In the Communications option, you’ll be immersed in the fast-paced world of marketing, working in groups to develop online and offline marketing strategies that drive results, through in-class lectures and labs. You’ll also gain real-world experience in your 10-week internship in an organization’s internal marketing department.

Because this program works so closely with industry professionals, you’ll have access to the most current information in a rapidly changing industry, as well as networking opportunities to help accelerate or begin your career. Many marketing professionals recommend this program as the best training and, in fact, about 75% of our graduates begin work in the field immediately after graduation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been called the new electricity. AI and machine learning (ML) systems are currently being utilized to organize supply chains, manage customer relationships, transfer organizational knowledge, and optimize enterprise resources. According to estimates, up to 47% of current jobs could be automated by AI, robotics, and machine learning systems in the next two decades. Firms have identified that a lack of skilled people make deployment of machine learning capabilities an ongoing challenge. Due to these factors, numerous jobs will become available for managing these systems.

The Business Information Technology Management (BITMAN) – Artificial Intelligence Management (AIM) option will train artificial intelligence/machine learning management knowledge workers for entry-level positions managing AI/ML/business intelligence solutions. This option will focus on AI business models, AI ethics, machine learning for business (supervised learning, neural networks, and deep learning), computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP).

The Architectural and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician program offers two areas of specialization: Architectural CADD and Graphics Technician and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician. Applicants must indicate area of specialization on their application.

The Architectural and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician programs at BCIT offers training for a variety of applications in architecture, building construction and industrial applications. CADD (Computer-Aided Drafting and Design) is an integral part of all our drafting programs.

The Program
This specialty applies drafting, computer applications, and graphic presentation with architectural and design skills used in the preparation of architectural projects, and construction of buildings. 

Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technicians apply, install, repair, calibrate and tune those measurement and control instruments that are used in industrial manufacturing processes. Students will learn to program computerized control, programmable logic controllers, and microprocessor instrumentation and install and maintain all of the field instruments that these computerized controllers rely on. These job skills are essential for employment in instrumentation.

The Program
The Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technician program stresses practical, hands-on experience to complement theory. This program will appeal to learners who are interested in working with mechanical and electronic equipment.

Half of the students' time is spent performing hands-on activities using the same equipment that is found in industry. The result is a very job-ready graduate, who can step into a position in one of many related fields, or transition into an apprenticeship at an advanced level with an industry sponsor.

Rapid advances in technology have increased public expectations of their communities and the buildings constructed in them. Buildings are expected to be designed and constructed to rigorous standards of workmanship and safety while at the same time incorporating all the features that contribute to speed of erection, financial efficiency and user satisfaction. High public expectations and the dynamic nature of the industry present both a challenge and an opportunity, attractive criteria for any career.

The Program
Architectural and Building Technology (ABT) is a comprehensive, two-year diploma program with a focus on applied learning. It combines sound theoretical knowledge with practical skills and technical training to provide job-ready competencies for immediate application upon entering the workforce. Students learn from industry-based faculty, develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers, and graduate with an industry recognized credential in the design, development, construction, and building science sectors. Many employers seek out graduates from this program to join their companies.

Students follow a fixed curriculum of common courses that includes lectures and practical applications in construction drawing, materials and methods, estimating techniques, building systems, and computer applications. Organized field trips and 'hands-on' workshops form part of the curriculum and attendance is required. Students are often able to further their education through summer jobs with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors.

In the second year of the program, in addition to the common academic core, students take an Elective course (subject to departmental approval) in one of three areas of specialization. The Elective courses are:

Architectural:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in architectural offices, offer design services, pursue an architectural degree, or the Architectural Technologist Registration program through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).

Building Science:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in durable building construction, building problem diagnosis, testing of construction assemblies, new materials research and development, and environmental challenges in creating the built environment.

Forget what you think a career in insurance is like — today's insurance and risk management industry is a challenging and vibrant place that is crucial to almost every aspect of our modern world.
The two-year General Insurance and Risk management diploma program at BCIT gives you specialized training to investigate insurance claims, market and sell insurance products, manage risk in securities, banks, insurance underwriting, and more. This program has been developed by industry professionals specifically to prepare you for a successful, exciting career in your field.

Through out the program there will be many opportunities to interact with industry professionals with networking and industry events. Along with a 40 hour work placement which helps students get direct industry work experience.
In fact, our program boasts a 100% job placement rate and our students have gone on to work insuring a variety of clients such as construction, marine risks, commercial underwriting, personal lines underwriting, claims adjusting and risk management.

Program Highlights

• 100% job placement within four months of graduating
• 40 hour work placement
• Write your CIP national exams before graduating to be ready to work the day you graduate
• Many opportunities to network with industry events and networking
• First year students qualify to be level 1 licensed brokers upon passing the 2 CIP Courses
• Graduating students qualify for a level 2 brokers license and independent adjusters license

Who should apply for the General Insurance and Risk Management Diploma?
A career in insurance and risk management might be right for you if:

• You already have some work experience and/or a degree
• You enjoy problem solving
• You’re compassionate
• You’re interested in a career with multiple opportunities and challenges
• Learn more about the benefits of this program with and in-depth look at Program Details.

Are you passionate about working outdoors and interested in the management of trees, vegetation & forest ecosystems? The Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) program is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments.

The program gives you a strong foundation in ecology, earth sciences, mapping, surveying & measurements. You will learn skills and training in silviculture, forest inventory, forest engineering, fire & forest health management, and urban forestry. Our programs unique focus natural areas in urban & interface environments provide you with skills in the management of trees, invasive species & soil resources. The breadth of technical and field-based skills you acquire also relevant to many other natural resource sectors.

Why is forest management important?
Management of forest resources in today’s world means managing forest ecosystems. Forestry practices must integrate field skills, scientific knowledge and technology in an ecological framework, to produce various goods and services. It involves assessing the health of forests with respect to insects and disease, planning revegetation strategies, and using technology to map and track forest inventories. But it is also about considering the interests of other resource users, while ensuring future generations can equally benefit from our forests. Forest ecosystems provide major economic, social & ecological benefits to communities, businesses & First Nations throughout British Columbia. Almost 60% of the land in British Columbia is forested – stewardship of these lands is no small feat. Are you up for the challenge?

What is natural areas management?
With increasing urbanization, forests and natural areas in and around our communities are growing in importance. People value natural areas for recreation, aesthetics and psychological well-being. But natural areas also provide important ecological services, like habitat for wildlife, promotion of biodiversity, storm-water flood mitigation & heat wave moderation. Whether you’re assessing urban trees, reducing wildfire risk around communities, or managing invasive plants, the role of a natural areas manager is diverse. It also requires an integration of skills, from community planning, to vegetation management & urban forestry.

What are some key skills FNAM students learn?

• Identify, describe, measure and interpret ecosystems and associated components including landforms, vegetation, soils, geomorphology, aquatic ecosystems, forest stand attributes and wildlife habitat
• Collect field data in both urban and rural environments and create technical reports, spreadsheets and digital maps using industry standard software (such as GIS & GPS) including the use of leading technology
• Apply vegetation management techniques for application in wildland and urban silviculture areas
• Analyze vegetation symptoms that relate to insects and diseases
• Design and implement sampling plans and techniques for resource inventories
• Assist in wildland and urban interface forest fire activities including suppression and hazard assessment
• Apply forest engineering principles to meet the objectives of operational plans and forest management objectives
• Communicate effectively in all aspects of natural resource management activities
• Apply principles of ethics and professionalism to day-to-day activities