BCIT GIS Students Seeking Project and Practicum Sponsors for 2026

As the summer winds down, excitement is already building at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) as another full cohort of students prepares to begin the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs this September. A key part of their learning journey involves completing a project or practicum with an industry or government sponsor between January and May/June 2026.

BCIT is now reaching out to the geospatial community to invite organizations to participate as sponsors. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with the next generation of GIS professionals while gaining fresh perspectives on real-world projects.

Why Sponsor a BCIT GIS Student?

Sponsors play a pivotal role in the success of BCIT’s GIS programs. By hosting a student, you not only contribute to their professional development but also benefit from their technical skills and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Past sponsors have included government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations, many of whom return year after year because of the value students bring.

Both on-site and remote or hybrid arrangements are possible, offering flexibility to meet organizational needs.

The Process

Getting involved is simple:

• Returning sponsors (within the last two years): You can log in to the BCIT eJOBS system and easily repost a previous opportunity with updates.
• New sponsors: Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in BCIT’s GIS Internships & Practicums Sponsor Guide to set up your posting.
• Prefer not to use eJOBS? Sponsors can also send a completed project or practicum form directly to BCIT, and the department will handle the posting.

All postings should be submitted by September 23, 2025, though later submissions will still be accepted. Opportunities will go live to students on September 30, 2025.

Timeline

• By September 23, 2025 – Submit your project or practicum posting to eJOBS (or via the sponsor form).
• September 30, 2025 – Sponsor opportunities released to students.
• Early October 2025 – Begin interviewing interested students (in-person, phone, or video).
• By October 31, 2025 – Select your student and make an offer (cc’ing the GIS Program Head).
• November–December 2025 – Student prepares proposal with input from sponsor and faculty.
• January–May/June 2026 – Student completes the project or practicum in either:
  • Gradual Mode: Part-time schedule starting January 9, building up to full-time in April–May.
  • Block Mode: Full-time placement from April 20 to June 19.

A Call to the Geospatial Community

BCIT is grateful to past sponsors who have generously contributed to the growth of GIS education. For organizations considering sponsorship for the first time, this is a unique chance to collaborate with skilled students eager to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring a student project or practicum, please submit your posting by September 23, 2025, or contact Mike Hill, Program Head & Faculty, BCIT GIS for further details.

Together, we can ensure BCIT students continue to thrive while contributing meaningfully to Canada’s geospatial sector.