Sometimes the biggest life changes start with a simple decision: I want more.
For Hamilton welder Sasha Devia, that decision meant leaving behind nearly a decade in retail and stepping into a world she once knew nothing about – heavy fabrication, grinders, sparks and steel.
Today, she’s nearly finished her four-year welding apprenticeship and is proving that a bold career pivot can change far more than just a job title.
Last year, Sasha was named one of the recipients of the Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards, an initiative designed to support women entering traditionally male-dominated trades. The award came with practical support – tools and resources valued at more than $11,000 – but for Sasha, the impact has gone much deeper.
“The award has been huge for me,” she says. “I’ve been able to invest in tools I use every day at work, build confidence working on projects at home, and even help out my son’s ice hockey team by repairing a broken goal.”
It’s a small moment that perfectly captures the real power of learning a trade. Skills don’t just stay at work – they ripple out into everyday life, families and communities.
“Being able to give back using the skills I’m building is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It’s something I want to keep doing.”
A Career Reinvention
Sasha’s path into welding wasn’t exactly conventional.
After nine years working in retail – including time in senior leadership roles – she realised she wanted something different. Something hands-on. Something that would give her independence and long-term security.
What came next was a leap into the unknown.
“I went from not knowing what a grinder was to working in heavy fabrication,” she says. “It was a complete turnaround. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth every moment of hard work.”
Trades remain heavily male-dominated, but stories like Sasha’s are slowly shifting the landscape. Women are increasingly entering industries like welding, carpentry and electrical work, bringing fresh perspectives and proving that skill has nothing to do with gender.
Paying It Forward
What’s striking about Sasha’s story isn’t just her own success – it’s how quickly she’s started looking for ways to help others.
Outside of her job, she lends her welding skills wherever they’re needed, helping local sports clubs and schools with repairs and small projects.
But her long-term vision is even bigger.
“I’d love to create a space where women can learn the basics,” she says. “How to use tools safely, change a tyre, or just feel confident having a go. It’s about celebrating independence and knowing you can rely on yourself.”
It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one: practical skills as a pathway to confidence.
Opening the Door for Others
As Sasha prepares to complete her apprenticeship and continue her career in fabrication welding, she hopes her experience encourages other women to consider the trades.
“Choosing the trades has opened doors I never expected,” she says. “It’s given me skills I’ll carry for life.”
With nominations now open for the 2026 Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards, the search is on for the next group of women following their own unconventional paths.
If Sasha’s story is anything to go by, the sparks flying in workshops across the country could be the start of something much bigger.
Last year’s winners also included Samantha Lee (electrician, Auckland), Mikyla Wardlaw‑Ruru (carpenter, Whakatāne) and Lola Williams (carpenter, Napier). See our previous article on this.
To nominate or learn more, visit: Women In Apprenticeships Award – Bunnings Trade NZ