ConnectHER Hub

• BCIT Electrical faculty hosts event to strengthen social connection for underrepresented groups
• Equity in Contracting Networking Event

Project Lead:

Anna Lary M.Ed, FSR Class B (she/her) is a Master Electrician and the Project Lead for the ConnectHER Hub at BCIT. She has worked as an Instructor in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for the past ten years.  Anna is the Chair of the VRCA Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is an activist promoting equity in the trades, working on various national working groups to advance the recruitment and retention of equity-priority trades workers. Anna is passionate about the electrical trade and about supporting apprentices in their career paths. Anna brings with her empathy and understanding, fostered by her past experiences with the biological and social realities of being a woman in almost exclusively male workplaces. Anna’s work includes curriculum development, peer mentorship, and support.

Project Oversight:

James Cai is a seasoned education administrator, a trades journeyperson, and a distinguished professional engineer registered with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). With over 25 years of experience at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and a decade serving as the Associate Dean of the School of Construction and the Environment, James has made significant contributions to the field of trades training and higher learning.

James’s career is marked by a rich tapestry of international experience spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. This global exposure has provided him with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of diverse practices and learners. His ability to adapt and excel in various cultural, teaching and learning environments underscores his expertise and versatility.

Throughout his tenure at BCIT, James has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s trades training programs, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. As Associate Dean, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding the development and implementation of curricula that meet the evolving needs of the construction and environmental sectors. His commitment to education has helped produce highly skilled graduates who are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the industries.

James is also a passionate advocate for women in trades and a strong supporter of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under his leadership, the School of Construction and the Environment has launched initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of women and underrepresented groups in the trades. He believes that a diverse and inclusive environment enriches the learning experience and strengthens the workforce.

James Cai’s distinguished career, marked by over 25 years of dedicated service at BCIT, a decade of influential leadership as Associate Dean, and his commitment to supporting women in trades and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, positions him as a highly respected and influential figure in the field of trades training and construction industry.