Dr. Brian James, a distinguished figure with a wealth of experience brings with him a visionary outlook that aligns with the Corporation’s Strategic Goals. He is an accomplished executive with over thirty (30) years of dedicated service to the Industrial, Manufacturing and Technical Vocational Education and Training Sectors. He is adept at identifying opportunities, driving revenue growth and innovation, optimizing operational efficiencies and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Dr. James possesses strong leadership abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for driving organizational excellence. He currently serves as the Executive General Manager of Training and Industry Services at MIC Institute of Technology, the Chief Executive Officer of BLJ Global Consultancy, and has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Public Transport Services Corporation (PTSC).
In his early career, Dr. James designed and developed numerous innovative plastic products as a Tool and Die Designer. He also created the Engineer in Training Programme—a two-year postgraduate training program in Manufacturing Engineering—while serving as an Engineering Manager. Over the years, he has established various national skills development training programs, including the Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme (MAP), Woodworking Apprenticeship Programme (WoodAP), Yachting Marine Apprenticeship Programme (YMAP), the entrepreneurial program (BizStart), and 140 new short courses. Additionally, he played a key role in founding the Centre for Renewable Energy and Associated Technologies (CREATe) and various national economic development projects and initiatives.
Dr. James holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Management from Athabasca University (Canada), a Master Craftsman Advanced Diploma/Practice Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Germany), a Postgraduate Certificate in the Design of Jigs & Fixtures (India), a Master’s Degree (MSc.) in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Industrial Innovation Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland (UK).
An avid environmentalist, Dr. James has served on the executive boards of various environmental NGOs. He was the Vice President of the Caribbean Forest Conservation Association (CFCA), an NGO advocating for the sustainable use of forest reserves, and an Executive member of the Council of Presidents of the Environment (COPE), an NGO facilitating advocacy and unification of all environmental NGOs and CBOs in Trinidad and Tobago for the sustainable use of the environment.
Furthermore, Dr. James served as the Vice Chairman of the Local School Board for St. George’s College through the Ministry of Education, the Executive Director of the Roland Selwyn Maunday Educational Foundation and Trust, and an Executive Member of the Regional Focal Point (RFP) for the Network of Caribbean NGOs representing 15 Caribbean countries at the United Nations Global Environmental Facility (GEF).
