For privacy, the subject’s name has been changed.
When Tia R. stepped into the Trades Discovery for Women program at BCIT, she wasn’t sure where she would land, but knew she was ready for a career in the skilled trades.
Long before BCIT, Tia had already gained trades experience. Growing up, she often accompanied her dad on job sites. “It’s a whole family of electricians,” she laughed. “My dad, brother, cousin, and godfather are all electricians.”
For Tia, it seemed like a future in the electrical trades was inevitable, but she wasn’t ready to commit. Seeking direction, Tia tried traditional classroom learning at a local university.
“It wasn’t the right learning environment for me,” Tia explained. “I needed something more engaging and hands-on.”
A friend’s mom suggested Tia try the Trades Discovery for Women program. Curious, she signed up for the intensive 16-week program and set the wheels in motion.
Finding the right road at BCIT
The Trades Discovery for Women program at BCIT enables learners like Tia to explore 15 different trades disciplines, including lay out and fabrication, general piping, carpentry framing, welding, wiring and working on mechanical systems in automobiles, aircraft, and heavy equipment. The workload is intense, but Tia was up for the challenge.
Her experience in construction, first as a flagger and later as a lane technician, helped establish a strong work ethic, developed her skills, and gave her the tools to succeed in the demanding program.
“I’m used to starting at 7:00 AM. That part wasn’t too terrible,” she said. “Winters were rough, though. You get up—it’s dark. You drive to school—it’s dark. You get into the shop and look out the window—still dark. It’s cold. It’s tough. But I was ready for it. Construction prepared me.”
Despite her resilience and love for working with her hands, Tia admitted the job sites weren’t always welcoming.
“As a woman, some sites can be a bit isolating. Sometimes you’re the only girl there, and you can feel a bit bothered. You’re not quite ‘one of the guys,’ even though you’re doing the same work, showing up every day just like they are.”
Solidarity and steel-toed boots
For Tia, that’s what made BCIT’s Trades Discovery for Women program so different. The camaraderie, mentorship, and shared stories.
I’ve never been in an environment like that in the trades where it’s all women,” she said. “It was so welcoming.”
Her instructors also played a key role in fostering a welcoming environment. “They were amazing.” Tia shared. “There were times where people would be overwhelmed by the program, and you’d walk into the classroom after lunch, and an instructor would be talking to them, comforting them.”
One instructor in particular, Sheila Sadler, was a beacon of encouragement.
“She spent most days with us and was always there to lend a hand or be a shoulder to cry on,” Tia explained. “She was so supportive of her students.”
After graduating from the program in 2024, Tia enrolled in the Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation program, which she completed in May 2025. While at BCIT, Tia made the most out of her experience and served on the BCIT Student Association’s (BCITSA) student council as Specialty Councillor, Annacis Island campus. As Specialty Councillor, Tia advocated for students whose needs may have been underrepresented on the board.
Learn how women and gender-diverse trades students can access a supportive network in a dynamic space through the ConnectHER Hub.
The long road ahead
During her co-op at Coast Mountain Bus Company, Tia found inspiration and resilience. One coworker—a 60-year-old Heavy Mechanic—shared her battle to break through the gender barrier at a time when tradeswomen were rare.
“She told me about how she applied for a job and never heard back,” Tia recalls. “Weeks later, she saw the same job reposted in the paper. She went back in with her resume, but was told they weren’t interested in hiring her because they didn’t believe she could do the work.”
For Tia, stories like this remind her of how far we’ve advanced and how much more work still needs to be done. “I think it’s getting better, but there’s a lot of room for improvement.”
She also emphasized the critical role of financial aid through the BCIT Foundation in making the Trades Discovery for Women program accessible.
“The support of donors helps so much,” Tia explained. “Most women in the program couldn’t have done it without the funding.”
The Trades Discovery for Women program is made possible through the generosity of donors whose support removes financial barriers for participants, provides essential resources, and empowers women to take their first steps into skilled trades with confidence
Give today to support student success at BCIT
Today, Tia is focused on her future. She’s determined, capable, and committed to breaking down barriers—not just for herself, but for every woman who dreams of picking up a tool and building something real.