Industry Influencers

Shellie is a mature-aged third-year sheet metal apprentice passionate about welding, producing food‑grade products, and mentoring young women in manufacturing to build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in the industry today.

Jessica is a qualified boilermaker now working in production scheduling, passionate about building, growth, and people. Jessica also leads the workplace Health and Wellness project and contributes to the Aliaxis APAC Inclusion Council.

Uyen oversees after‑sales operations across manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and service. Uyen is driven by building strong systems and reliable products. With an Engineering degree and MBA, Uyen focusses on creating scalable, people‑centred processes.

Nicole designs high‑quality mining equipment that improves safety and efficiency on mine sites worldwide. Nicole finds it rewarding to contribute to an engineering team delivering fast, reliable, and safe solutions for the mineral processing industry.

Mercedes is a Senior Field and Laboratory Technician specialising in construction materials testing. She’s passionate about earth sciences and turning onsite data into insights, currently completing her Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

Sam is a boilermaker at Drake Trailers, overseeing the Prefit stock line. She ensures detailed final fittings and advocates for women in manufacturing through school outreach and mentorship.

Brittany is a laboratory technician specialising in cement and construction materials testing. She’s passionate about real‑world material behaviour and dedicated to ensuring safe, durable, fit‑for‑purpose outcomes in construction built today.

Montana is a mechanical fitter apprentice at BlueScope, inspired by her long‑serving parents. She values diverse work experiences and is driven by long‑term goals to create positive change in her workplace.

Louisa is a Business Development Manager in advanced manufacturing, helping clients boost production efficiently. She’s driven by strengthening Australian manufacturing while upholding its foundations of skill, reliability, pride, and quality workmanship.

Steph is a creative technologist and Makerspace Coordinator at UniSQ. She runs Maker Queen, creating electronics kits and books, and is passionate about making technical skills accessible through hands‑on creativity.

Rebecca is a Zero Harm Advisor whose career grew from training coordination into safety. Backed by qualifications and strong people‑focused values, she embraced opportunities that shaped her path into workplace health and safety.

Teagan is an Operations Coordinator in manufacturing and vehicle body‑building, supporting production, scheduling, and quality systems. She grew from administration into operations through on‑the‑job learning, new challenges, and a Diploma of Project Management.

McKinley is a Mechanical Apprentice and Trades Training Officer at QAL, passionate about mentoring apprentices. Drawing on her own trade experience, she supports their growth through practical, confidence‑building, safety‑focused training.

Lauren works hands‑on in trades and manufacturing, applying strong problem‑solving skills and practical experience. She’s passionate about creating tangible outcomes and showing that skilled trades are creative, technical, and deeply rewarding careers.

Aisha is an apprentice fitter machinist nearing completion. She began as a school‑based apprentice at 16, continued into full‑time work at Tei, and hopes to pursue university study alongside her trade.