Apprentice spotlight: Keleigh’s journey – finding her spark in trades

At just 21, Keleigh Stewart has already taken a bold step towards building a long-term career in manufacturing, proving that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones you didn’t initially plan for.

Keleigh spent four years working in hospitality. While it paid the bills, it never quite felt right. “I knew I wanted something more,” she says. “I wanted a job where I could learn real skills and build a future.”

That moment of clarity came during a career-based class at school, where Keleigh took part in welding work experience “I remember thinking, this is fun, I like it, this could actually be a career for me,” she recalls.

Taking the leap into an apprenticeship

After leaving school, Keleigh returned to hospitality but found herself in a workplace that no longer aligned with her goals. When she saw an advertisement for an apprentice boilermaker role with Ampcontrol, she decided to take the leap.

“Getting the job was so exciting,” Keleigh says. “It felt amazing knowing I’d finally landed my dream role.”

Starting as the first female apprentice with her employer was daunting. “I thought I was going to be judged, being the first female apprentice,” she admits, “but everyone was so welcoming and so supportive of me in everything I do here.”

“Being hands-on with the tools and doing meaningful work is the best part,” she says. “It’s really rewarding.”

Support that makes a difference

Keleigh is part of the Women in Trades Apprenticeship Program, throughout her apprenticeship, she receives mentoring support from Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA). This includes guidance on career pathways, connections to peer and industry networks, and support with managing stress and challenges that can come with off-the-job training.

Before starting, she had little awareness of new energy opportunities. “I had no idea what was out there,” she says. “Once I spoke to my employer and learned about the New Energy framework, it really opened my eyes to what this career could lead to.”

“I’ve come from a toxic workplace before,” she reflects. “So being in an environment now where I feel supported, and knowing there are networks I can lean on, makes such a difference.”

The power of mentoring

Megan Rice, ASA women in trades specialist mentor, explains how mentoring can shape long-term success.

“Through our specialised Women in Trades Mentoring and Personal Support Services, apprentices can access tailored guidance to help them navigate workplace expectations, wellbeing, industry networks and career planning,” Megan says. “Our role is to walk alongside apprentices, offering encouragement, structured check-ins and practical tools that help them stay engaged, resilient and confident.”

She notes that many women in trades can feel isolated, particularly when they are the only female on site.

“Mentoring provides a safe space to talk things through, build self-advocacy, and develop strategies to manage both challenges and opportunities.”

Forging her future

For Keleigh, the future feels full of possibility. Once she completes her apprenticeship, she plans to continue studying and work her way up in the industry, with interests in future pathways such as project management. 

Her advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple. “Just go for it. You don’t realise how many doors it can open until you start. Thinking about where it could lead makes me really excited for what’s ahead.”

If Keleigh's story has inspired you, get in touch.