Breaking barriers in skilled trades education

VIU MBA grad Caitlin Hartigan’s path to becoming the youngest female Dean of Trades in Canada

VIU Master of Business Administration graduate Caitlin Hartigan’s career journey began when she realized that advancing her education was critical to achieving her long-term goals. Drawn to VIU for its hands-on learning, close faculty support and global outlook, Caitlin not only found her post-secondary path, but also a learning community that challenged her to grow as a leader.

“My MBA experience at VIU was immersive, challenging and incredibly rewarding,” she says. “The cohort model created a tight‑knit learning community and I found myself surrounded by peers from diverse backgrounds who pushed me to think differently.”

Caitlin brings years of experience in skilled trades education to her new role as Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College. She was previously the Director of Programming & Client Operations at Women Building Futures in Edmonton and before that, the Dean of Skilled Trades at Northwestern Polytechnic and Dean of Trades & Heavy Industrial at Keyano College.

We caught up with Caitlin to learn more about how her MBA helped prepare her for high-impact leadership roles, including becoming the youngest female Dean of Trades in Canada.

Why did you choose VIU?

I chose VIU because I wanted an MBA program that blended academic rigour with practical, community‑focused learning. VIU had a reputation for smaller cohorts, strong faculty mentorship and a global perspective — all things I knew would shape me into a better leader. The program’s emphasis on applied learning and connection to industry made it the ideal environment to grow both professionally and personally.

Where were you in your life when you realized education would help you achieve your goals? 

Early in my career, working in education and community development, I started to see how transformational leadership could shape opportunities for entire regions. I realized that to contribute at that level — influencing strategy, improving systems and leading teams — I needed a deeper understanding of business operations and global markets. That’s when it became clear that advancing my education was a critical step toward achieving my long‑term goals.

Tell us a bit about your experience at VIU

My MBA experience at VIU was immersive, challenging and incredibly rewarding. The cohort model created a tight‑knit learning community and I found myself surrounded by peers from diverse backgrounds who pushed me to think differently. The faculty brought both academic and industry insight into the classroom, which made every course feel relevant and immediately applicable. The international business components were especially meaningful, building on my earlier education and shaping how I approach global partnership development today.
 

Were there any unexpected benefits you discovered after becoming a student?

The confidence I gained in navigating complex organizational environments. The program honed not only my technical skills but also my leadership presence. I also didn’t anticipate the extent to which the relationships built during the program would continue to influence my career. Many of the insights, connections and perspectives I gained at VIU still play an active role in how I lead teams, build partnerships and approach strategic decisions.
 

How did your program prepare you for your current role?

My MBA laid the foundation for every major leadership role, including becoming the Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College, at this stage in my career. The program sharpened my ability to analyze strategic challenges, manage multi‑million‑dollar budgets and lead large, diverse teams. It prepared me to oversee complex educational operations, build cross‑sector partnerships and champion innovative program development across post-secondary and non‑profit environments. It also shaped the global mindset I now apply in industry collaboration, community engagement and workforce development.

Can you share a highlight of your learning experience? 

One of the most impactful parts of the program was the strong mentorship culture created by VIU faculty. I remember the way instructors encouraged us to tie academic concepts directly to real‑world challenges we were facing in our work. Their willingness to engage deeply with students — not just in class, but in conversations about leadership, strategy and personal growth — fundamentally shaped how I approach my own leadership today. The collaborative cohort environment also taught me the value of diverse perspectives and the strength that comes from collective problem‑solving.

What’s next for you?

I’m focused on continuing to expand my impact in the skilled trades and workforce development sectors. My work increasingly centers on creating equitable pathways into careers, particularly for underrepresented groups, and building strong partnerships between industry, government and education. I plan to continue taking on roles that allow me to influence systems, strengthen communities and advance innovation in trades training at a national level.

What are you most proud of since completing your program at VIU?

I’m proud of the leadership journey I’ve taken — including serving as Dean across multiple institutions, shaping apprenticeship and training opportunities for thousands of learners and being recognized for my career achievements when I was hired as the Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College at this stage of my career. I’m also proud of the partnerships I’ve built with Indigenous communities, government and industry to expand access to high‑impact programs. Most importantly, I’m proud of contributing to work that changes lives and strengthens the workforce across Alberta and beyond.

What advice would you give VIU students following a similar trajectory as yourself?

Be open to opportunities that stretch you beyond your comfort zone — that’s where the most meaningful growth happens. Build strong relationships within your cohort and with your instructors. Those connections become invaluable throughout your career. And remember that leadership is less about titles and more about influence, authenticity and service. Stay curious, stay adaptable and invest in the communities you serve. Your education will open doors, but your integrity and collaborative spirit will define your path.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As the workforce continues to evolve, I believe we are entering a pivotal moment where education, industry and community must work more closely than ever before. My hope is to contribute to a future where access to training and meaningful careers is not determined by circumstance, but by potential — and where diverse voices shape the direction of our skilled trades landscape. VIU played a part in sparking that vision for me, and I’m committed to carrying it forward by helping build systems that are more inclusive, more innovative and more responsive to the needs of the next generation. The future of work is changing rapidly, and I’m excited to be part of creating pathways that empower people to thrive within it. As Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College -– the largest trades training facility in BC outside of the Lower Mainland – I feel like my incredible team and I are in a great position to make a huge impact on learners both in the Interior, across the province and beyond.