In a powerful celebration of women breaking barriers in the trades, four New Zealand women have been honoured as the 2025 Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards winners. In partnership with the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC NZ), these awards highlight the achievements of emerging female talent in the New Zealand trades and construction industry.
Designed to empower and support women entering trade careers, the initiative provides each winner with professional resources and a Bunnings Trade prize pack valued at over $10,000 – a crucial boost for women starting their journey in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Meet the 2025 Women in Apprenticeships Award Winners
Samantha Lee – Electrician, Auckland
Once unfulfilled in the corporate world, Samantha Lee made the bold decision to pursue an electrical apprenticeship in Auckland. Now thriving as a qualified electrician, Samantha uses her growing online presence to promote career opportunities for women in the trades. Her inspiring content – featuring real-life work from residential, commercial, and civil projects –encourages other women to consider apprenticeships in electrical and related fields.
Mikyla Wardlaw-Ruru – Carpenter, Whakatane
A dedicated female carpenter and community advocate, Mikyla from Whakatane juggles her trade work with family life and volunteering. Passionate about building both homes and stronger communities, she actively supports local cultural initiatives and sports organisations. Her resilience in overcoming gender-based challenges on the job site is a beacon for other women pursuing carpentry apprenticeships in New Zealand.
Sasha Devia – Fabrication Welder, Hamilton
Sasha is trailblazing her way through a heavy fabrication welding apprenticeship in Hamilton. On track to become the first female welder in her company, Sasha is determined to inspire more women to take up welding and fabrication trades. Her drive to master her skills while advocating for inclusivity is transforming perceptions of women in manufacturing and industrial trades.
Lola Williams – Carpenter, Napier
Following her family’s legacy in construction, Lola Williams is steadily progressing through her carpentry apprenticeship in Napier. With sheer determination, she has self-funded her tools and vehicle – laying the foundation for a successful future in the New Zealand construction sector. Lola exemplifies the dedication and hands-on spirit that defines great tradespeople.
Celebrating Women in Trades: Building a More Inclusive Future
2024 award recipient and Auckland-based carpenter Courtney Willan shared her experience: “Being acknowledged with this award has been incredibly rewarding. The prize pack supports my work on-site, and the recognition motivates me to keep growing and mentoring other women in trades. Congratulations to this year’s winners – you’re paving the way for the future.”
NAWIC NZ President Colleen Upton added: “Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for driving real change in our industry. Our partnership with Bunnings Trade allows us to recognise outstanding female apprentices while building a stronger, more inclusive trade workforce in New Zealand.”
Why We Need More Women in the Trades
Despite progress, women make up just 4.85% of all apprentices in New Zealand’s trade occupations – with construction, manufacturing, and retail trades holding the highest female apprentice numbers. Encouragingly, more than 50% of women who complete apprenticeships remain in the industry a decade later, contributing long-term to the skilled labour force.
With increasing demand for tradespeople nationwide, supporting women through apprenticeships, mentorship, and financial backing is critical to closing the gender gap in trades.
Supporting Female Apprentices in New Zealand
The Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards is more than a recognition program – it’s a stepping stone for women in construction, electrical, welding, and carpentry trades to thrive and lead. As these four inspiring women demonstrate, when given the right tools, support, and encouragement, women can reshape the future of New Zealand’s trades industry.
Main Photo: (L-R Shaina Ali Bunnings, Lilly Toa Bunnings, Lola Williams WIAA recipient, Jacob Vorster Bunnings, Fiona McGovan Bunnings, Sharmaine Lamb Bunnings)
