Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honored to be joined by Anna Lary, a trailblazing Red Seal and BC Master Electrician. With over a decade of experience teaching in the electrical apprenticeship program at BCIT and numerous accolades to her name, Anna’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Starting her apprenticeship in 1997, Anna faced and overcame significant challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. She shares candidly about the systemic barriers, gender biases, and personal obstacles she encountered, including a memorable first day on a job site that set the tone for her career. Despite these hurdles, her passion for electrical work and her dedication to creating a more inclusive environment in trades only grew stronger.

Anna discusses her transition from working on the tools to becoming an instructor at BCIT. She reflects on the rocky start of her teaching career, marked by personal upheavals, and how she ultimately found her stride, developing innovative ways to connect classroom theory with practical application in the field.

A fervent advocate for women and gender-diverse individuals in trades, Anna highlights the crucial role of support networks such as the BC Center for Women in Trades and Technology (BCC WIT) and the BC Trades Equity Society. She shares heartwarming stories of solidarity and the transformative power of community, including a touching moment when fellow female electricians rallied to support her during an info session.

Anna delves into the broader landscape of trades, emphasizing the importance of respect and recognition for skilled workers, the evolving technical nature of the field, and the pressing need for equity-driven policies and practices. She envisions a future where trades education is more holistic, integrating practical shop time with academic learning, and where organizations and governments actively work towards inclusive and supportive environments for all tradespeople.

Tune in to hear Anna’s insightful perspectives on the current state and future of trades, the impact of grassroots movements, and the critical role of unions and government in driving change. Whether you're in the trades, considering a career in this field, or simply interested in stories of resilience and empowerment, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiring stories.

BCIT Women in The Trades:

https://www.bcit.ca/programs/trades-discovery-for-women-associate-certificate-full-time-1190acert/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1920BhA3EiwAJT3lSRdPhmUr-AHXt3e98hMnBnMC8giA1ySN3N4N3JLC1NWnqzrWgGS9hxoCzJ0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.instagram.com/bcitwomenintrades/

BCCWITT:

https://bccwitt.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/bccwitt/

BC Trades Equity Society:

https://www.instagram.com/bctradesequitysociety/

https://bctradeswomensociety.ca/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We sit down with the remarkable founders of Girls in Civil: Sofía D. Boscio-López, Gilmarie O’Neill Medina, Charmelis A. Reyes Cruz, Laura M. Rosario Gonzalez, and Gabriela Yáñez González. Girls in Civil is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the field of civil engineering. Join us as we delve into their unique journeys and how each one discovered their passion for civil engineering through different paths—whether it was following a family legacy, an early fascination with structures, or a love for math and problem-solving.

We explore the diverse specialties within civil engineering, from geotechnical engineering to transportation design and structural analysis, and discuss how each area contributes to building resilient, sustainable communities. The Girls in Civil share their personal experiences, the challenges they faced transitioning from education to professional life, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way.

Girls in Civil also shares the story of their organization's inception, its mission to inspire and motivate future generations, and the importance of mentorship and professional development in the engineering community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of civil engineering on society and the vital role of women in this transformative field.

Tune in to hear about the passion, dedication, and drive that fuel Girls in Civil and learn how they are making a difference one project at a time.

Girls in Civil:

https://www.girlsincivil.com/

https://www.instagram.com/girlsincivil/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/girls-in-civil/posts/?feedView=all

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with very serious topics, specifically about suicide and mental health. We speak about suicide prevention and the mental health crisis within our communities. We speak to the work of the Ontario District Council of Ironworkers and the creation of mental health committees and programs to help our community of tradespeople.

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to speak with Ashtyn Crabb, an ironworker from Toronto's Local 721. Ashtyn takes us through her unexpected journey from being a university student studying psychology to becoming a dedicated and passionate ironworker. She shares candid insights into the world of ironworking, including her favourite tasks like working with cranes and the unique challenges of the trade.

Ashtyn talks about the camaraderie and support system within the ironworking community, highlighting the importance of having a strong network both at work and at home. She discusses her involvement in the Local 721 Mental Health Committee, where she helps provide crucial support to her fellow ironworkers, and the Ontario Iron Workers District Council Women's Committee, which works to address issues like childcare and advocate for women's needs in the trade.

We also dive into the tough realities of ironworking, including the physical demands and the mental health challenges that many workers face. Ashtyn shares how the mental health committee is working to change the culture, offering resources and support to ensure no one has to struggle alone.

Whether you're interested in the trades, considering a career change, or simply looking for an inspiring story of resilience and community, this episode is for you. Tune in to the Smoko podcast and be inspired by Ashtyn Crabb's remarkable story of transformation and dedication.

Local 721:

https://www.instagram.com/ironworkers721/

https://www.iw721.org/

Ironworkers District Council of Ontario:
https://www.iwdco.ca/

Other Locals Associated with IWDCO & working towards creating programs helping to change the culture and change the stigma of mental health in the trades.

Local 700:
https://www.ironworkerslocal700.com/

Local 736:
https://www.iw736.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ironworkers736/

Local 759:
https://www.ironworkers759.org/

Local 765:
https://www.ironworkers765.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iwlocal765/

Local 786:
https://iw786.com/

Shop Local 834

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca