Equity in Contracting 2.0: Building your trades career

On March 22, 2025, BCIT hosted Equity in Contracting 2.0: Building Your Trades Career, bringing together more than 60 women, gender-diverse trades workers, contractors, and industry allies for an inspiring afternoon of connection, learning, and community building. 

The day opened with a land acknowledgement led by Barbara James Malidzas — Red Seal Carpenter, President of the BC Trades Equity Society, and BCIT Flexible Learning instructor, honoring the traditional territories on which the event took place. The panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Sussanne Skidmore, President of the BC Federation of Labour, featured four influential trades leaders: Jessica Bannister (Cam Cool Refrigeration), Coralee Beatty (Thrive HQ), Priya Hartley-Anderson (Rockwood Electric Ltd.), and Cory Byron (Vancity Electric Ltd.). Together, they shared personal stories, practical strategies, and visions for a more inclusive future in contracting and trades leadership. 

Attendees also celebrated the achievement of Jessica Bannister, who recently earned her Red Seal endorsement as a Refrigeration Mechanic, inspiring many in the room with her accomplishment. 

A lively networking session followed, supported by a delicious lunch and refreshments provided by BCITSA. The atmosphere throughout the day reflected a deep sense of solidarity, hope, and determination for positive change in the trades sector. 

Equity in Contracting 2.0 was hosted by the BCIT ConnectHER Hub, the BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT), and the BC Trades Equity Society, with the valuable support of Marita Luk, Business Development Manager in the School of Construction and the Environment, and her team, whose dedication helped make the event a success. 

The event reinforced that by working together across trades, industry, and community organizations, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all skilled trades workers.