Nominations open for 2026 Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards

Championing change in New Zealand’s trades, the 2026 Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards are now open for nominations, offering a powerful platform for women at the start of their trade careers to step forward and be recognised. 

Six female apprentices will each receive a support pack valued at over $11,000, designed to help them invest in tools, training and opportunities that accelerate their progress on the tools and in the industry.

One year on from being named a Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Award winner, TRT’s sole female fabrication welder, Sasha Devia, is a clear example of how recognition can translate into real‑world results. 

Nearing the completion of her four‑year apprenticeship, Sasha says the award support has been pivotal to both her professional development and her personal confidence. 

With the prize pack, she has been able to purchase everyday tools for work, tackle more complex projects at home, and even repair a broken goal for her son’s ice hockey team. 

“The award has been huge for me,” said Devia. “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. 

“Being able to give back using the skills I’m building is incredibly rewarding and it’s something I want to keep doing in my community.” 

The awards were created to recognise and support women in the early stages of their trade careers and help address the gender imbalance across an underrepresented sector. 

Beyond her day‑to‑day work on the factory floor, Sasha regularly lends her welding skills to local sports clubs and schools and is already thinking about how to help others into the trades.

“I’d love to create a space where women can learn the basics. How to use tools safely, change a tyre, or just feel confident having a go,” she said. “It’s about celebrating independence and knowing you can rely on yourself.” 

Head of Bunnings Trade New Zealand, Matt Heinrich, says Sasha’s story captures the true intent of the Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards: to recognise and celebrate women in the trades and back the people who strengthen the industry. 

“These awards exist to recognise and celebrate women in the trades, and we’re proud to open nominations for 2026 and continue backing the people who strengthen the industry. We’re excited to uncover the next group of trailblazers making their mark and inspiring others to give it a go.” 

Last year’s other winners also embody the growing strength and diversity of the trades sector: Auckland electrician Samantha Lee, Whakatāne carpenter Mikyla Wardlaw‑Ruru and Napier carpenter Lola Williams.

Samantha has successfully transitioned from the corporate world and uses her online presence to inspire others; Mikyla balances carpentry with community leadership through local sports and marae projects; and Lola is building on her family’s trade legacy by investing in her tools, training and future. 

Together, these women highlight the skill, determination and community spirit driving the next generation of Kiwi tradies.

Nominations for the 2026 Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards close at midnight on Friday 10 April 2026, with winners to be announced in May. 

To nominate an apprentice or learn more, visit the Bunnings Trade website: https://trade.bunnings.co.nz/campaign/women-in-apprenticeships