Since completing my apprenticeship, I have continued to expand my experience through casual and project-based work, allowing me to explore multiple avenues within the industry. This has included work with Gippsland NDT and Programmed Maintenance at the Loy Yang Mine, further strengthening my adaptability and exposure to different work practices and teams.

I hold a broad range of industry certifications, including Working at Heights, Confined Space, CPR, Forklift, EWP, Dogging, and advanced welding and welding supervision qualifications under Australian Standards. I take pride in delivering high-quality workmanship, communicating clearly on site, and contributing positively to team culture in demanding environments.

I was honoured to be named Victorian Apprentice of the Year 2025 and an Australian Apprentice of the Year finalist, recognition that reflects my commitment to excellence, leadership, and continuous improvement. I am passionate about mentoring others, sharing real-world insights into trade pathways, and encouraging confidence and resilience in the next generation of tradespeople.

In 2025, I also had the opportunity to compete at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane, representing my trade on a national stage and further challenging myself technically and professionally. Through public speaking and advocacy, I aim to be a visible, relatable role model and contribute to a safer, stronger, and more inclusive trades industry.

Over her career, Ashley has worked as a mechanic in transport, mining and construction. Off the tools, she has developed national apprentice programs, mentored apprentices, and, more recently, is the Founder of Blue Leader, an organisation that supports trade teams in improving the everyday leadership skills that enable them to work better together.

Because of her unconventional pathways into the trades, Ashley is a passionate advocate for the value of work experience and the career potential that awaits people in VET pathways and trade careers.

Built from industry experience and delivered by an in-house workforce, Apex Utilities is known for its strong safety culture, disciplined project delivery, and a proven no-strike record across thousands of metres of HDD in live service environments. The business works closely with Tier One contractors and asset owners to deliver high-risk, technically demanding works safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.

Apex Utilities places a strong emphasis on workforce development, investing heavily in apprenticeships, supervision capability, and industry-led training to build long-term skills within the utilities sector. This commitment to safety, compliance, and people underpins Apex’s reputation as a reliable delivery partner on critical infrastructure projects.

Managing Director of Howrah Plumbing, supporting the community with reliable plumbing and drainage solutions. National Association of Women in Construction Crystal Award Winner 2025, celebrating those making significant contributions to the construction industry and advancing opportunities for women across the sector.

I am reliable, safety-focused, and motivated to keep developing my skills in the trade while learning from experienced professionals.

I am a dedicated Social Procurement Specialist with a strong focus on commercial construction and social impact.

My expertise lies in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, where I have successfully led organizational-wide initiatives and developed strategic action plans to foster inclusive environments.

With a robust background as a Policy and Legal Officer, I have a demonstrated history of working in government sectors.

My skills include Government Relations, Public Policy, Relationship Building, Interpersonal Skills, and Strategic Thinking.

I am passionate about driving positive change and making a meaningful impact in the community.

Over the years, I have developed strong expertise in project management, contract administration, planning and scheduling, cost control and forecasting, negotiation and conflict management, and tendering processes. My focus is now shifting toward residential estimating, with the goal of becoming a licensed home builder and expanding into small to medium-rise construction.

I am currently completing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to pursue my passion for teaching and passing on the knowledge I’ve gained to those entering the construction field, professionals seeking growth, and adults interested in learning about the built environment. I am also studying the Diploma of Building and Construction to strengthen my understanding of the NCC and gain the technical foundation for home building and mid-rise projects.

My work is guided by values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for the craft of building. I believe in sharing knowledge, encouraging ethical practice, and helping others build confidence, structure, and real-world problem-solving skills that lead to lasting growth and better project outcomes.

I work in Project Management in the Building & Construction Industry specialising in Retail & Shopping Centres. I started my own business when I was 23 years old as a young, Asian (POC) female working in a male heavy industry. I have been going for close to 20 years now.

The areas I usually speak about or get questions about are my experiences around: - Navigating the challenges of running your own business - Starting out at a young age - Being a woman and dealing with men in my industry - How I flip between working onsite and being in executive meetings - My experiences on racial, gender, age discrimination - Being divorced does not taint you - Academic success does not equal Life success (or happiness!) - How to juggle work, life balance (raising 2 young kids i.e., 18 months and 3yo as a single Mother, running a business and studying for my Masters Degree) - Living and working from a place of integrity - Know your values and let your values drive your decision making - Being female and fierce is a superpower! - Lead with humanity and emotions: be kind, always

I am a Volunteer Business Mentor at various organisations such as Business SA and Rarebirds. I also lecture at UniSA and deliver the Project Management in Business Course. (2024 & 2025) The way I mentor, share, teach is through storytelling. I speak from the heart through lived experiences; and I’m big on developing meaningful connections.

I wear many hats, Project Manager at Mazzei Group, Architectural Designer at Her Design, my own company.

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I'm passionate about the construction industry, and the many opportunities available.

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I look forward to sharing my passion with the future workforce.

Manjul Prateeti, an internationally recognized expert in experiential education and outdoor leadership, has over 15 years’ experience in education and outdoor sectors along with organisational leardership. With an MSc in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh, she has designed programs that blend adventure with leadership development. She has a proven record in leading diverse teams, managing large-scale education programs, and driving continuous improvement across complex delivery environments.

Recognised for strategic thinking, risk management, and fostering professional development to support individual growth and organisational excellence.

Polly Britten's journey to career advocacy began unexpectedly. After leaving school with a love of animals, she trained as a veterinary nurse and worked in multiple clinics over three years. A car accident redirected her path, leading her to discover a deeper passion: creating opportunities for young people and those returning to the workforce to explore careers they might never have considered.

Drawing on skills developed across diverse roles (30 different jobs), Polly has designed learning and skill-building programs for young people in Australia and internationally. Her focus sharpened during COVID-19, when she recognised the critical need to connect youth and career changes with meaningful career pathways.

Based in Melbourne, Polly is a leading advocate for gender equity in skilled trades. She works to create inclusive pathways for women and underrepresented groups through education, mentorship, and systemic reform.

In 2023, Polly was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate international programs encouraging women and underrepresented individuals into skilled trades. Her research spanned Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, and Portugal, examining initiatives like Girls' Day in Germany, Boss Ladies in Denmark, and Build a Dream in Canada. Her findings highlight the transformative power of early exposure, inclusive support systems, and challenging entrenched stereotypes.

Polly now works in workforce development in the energy sector nationally, recognising the need for voices to determine the best solutions to meet our energy transition, as well as running LinkUp Careers.

Polly holds a Diploma in Event Management, a Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and is a certified Partnership Broker. With over eight years in education, she founded LinkUpCareers.com.au in 2025, connecting industry professionals, primarily women from construction, manufacturing, and energy, with childcare centres, schools, and training and higher education organisations to challenge misconceptions about women in trades.

Her work has been featured on The Smoko Podcast and in Victorian Parliament, where she shares practical solutions for building equitable pathways into skilled trades.

Polly's commitment to empowering young people and advancing diversity in trades continues to drive change locally and internationally.

I’m an experienced designer passionate about creating innovative design solutions for consumer-facing products that align with brand values, driving business growth.