Name : Lexiga (Lexi) Pritchard
Company name : NCS Acoustics
Job title : Production Supervisor
If we had to step into your (she wear) shoes (pun intended), what could we expect a day in your life to feel like? :
A day in my shoes is busy, hands-on and always a little unpredictable. I’m usually helping the team, solving problems and making sure the job gets done. It can be tiring, but I enjoy being part of the team and learning something new every day.
What do you enjoy about your role? What is the favourite part of your job? :
I enjoy working with my hands and being part of a team. My favourite part is seeing a job come together and knowing I played a part in getting it done.
How did you get into your role? What did you study or how did you learn your skills? :
I did a pre-trade in mechanical engineering, which introduced me to welding and fabrication. After that, I was offered an apprenticeship at NCS Acoustics, where I continued learning on the job.
Have you won any awards, earned any special recognition or been involved in something “out of the box”? :
I was nominated for the Bunnings Women in Apprenticeships Award, which recognised my journey, achievements and involvement in the trades. I was also honoured to receive a global Leadership Excellence Award, which recognises an individual who inspires, motivates and guides others to achieve exceptional results while demonstrating the company’s values. Both opportunities have encouraged me to continue developing as a leader and inspiring others to consider a career in the trades.
What advice would you give to other women? :
My advice to other women entering the trades is to back yourself and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to know everything straight away. Be willing to learn, ask questions and take every opportunity to grow. For anyone in the industry, I’d say keep learning, support the people around you and don’t be afraid to put your hand up for new opportunities. The trades can open so many doors, and your skills can take you further than you might think so don't give up!
Do you have a favourite saying or quote, or mantra that you live by? :
My favourite saying is “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” I believe that putting in the effort, staying consistent and not giving up can take you further than talent alone.
Tell us a funny story about your role or an amusing experience you’ve had :
One funny thing about my role is that you probably wouldn’t expect a young 5'4" woman to be a production and site supervisor. I’ve had people on site come up and start talking to my colleagues, not realising I’m actually the supervisor. Then my colleagues would point them in my direction and say, “She’s the boss!” It always makes me laugh seeing their reaction. I think it’s a good reminder that you can’t judge someone’s experience or what they’re capable of by how they look.
Have you ever encountered any negative experiences that, although difficult at the time, may have helped shape who you are today? :
During the first year of my apprenticeship, I felt like I had to prove myself. I was learning everything from the ground up, and at times I found that people in the industry would gatekeep knowledge or weren’t always willing to teach you. It was difficult at times because I genuinely wanted to learn and improve, but it taught me to be persistent and not give up when something wasn’t handed to me. That experience shaped me into the person I am today. It made me realise how important it is to share knowledge, support people who are learning and give others the opportunities I wished I had. Now, as a supervisor, I try to make sure the people around me feel comfortable asking questions and have the support they need to grow.
How do you feel about your she wear boots? Any comments you’d like to make.
I absolutely love my she wear boots. I like that even though they have steel caps and are designed as work boots, you can still wear them casually. They look great with everyday clothes, so I get a lot of use out of them outside of work as well. I’m planning on getting a separate pair of boots for work further down the line so I can keep these ones looking nice. I’m really grateful!
Why did you nominate yourself for the The Women in Apprenticeships Awards 2026 through Bunnings?
I think I was nominated because of my journey in the trades and how far I’ve come since starting my apprenticeship. As a woman in a male dominated industry, I’ve had to work hard to prove myself, learn from the ground up and build my confidence along the way. One thing I’ve learnt is that there will always be people who encourage you, support you and believe in you, so it’s important to appreciate those people and the small wins along the way. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on more responsibility or simply becoming more confident, those small steps all add up. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I hope my journey can encourage other women to give the trades a go and believe in what they’re capable of.