Leaving school at just 16 to help support her family could easily have marked the end of Lexiga (Lexi) Pritchard's education.

Instead, it became the beginning of a remarkable learning journey that has seen the 25-year-old recognised as one of just six recipients nationwide of the 2026 Bunnings Women in Apprenticeships Award.

Now a Production Supervisor leading a team of 13 at Auckland-based NCS Acoustics, which manufactures industrial and commercial noise control solutions, while still completing her New Zealand Certificate in Light Fabrication with industry training organisation Competenz, the Papatoetoe local has built a reputation for technical excellence, leadership and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Bunnings New Zealand Head of Trade Matt Heinrich says Lexi was noticed for far more than her technical ability.

"Lexi stood out for her clear determination, leadership potential and the impact she's already having within her workplace.

"What really set her apart was not just her technical capability, but the way she leads by example - demonstrating a strong work ethic, a commitment to learning and a willingness to support those around her. She's also helping to shift perceptions in a traditionally male-dominated field, showing that success in the trades is driven by attitude and effort."

For Lexi, the recognition is particularly meaningful given the path that brought her here.

While attending Epsom Girls Grammar School, she had her sights set on a career that helped people, and human resources seemed like a fit. But at just 16, she made the difficult decision to leave school before finishing Year 13 so she could help support her family financially.

"I wanted to keep studying and go to university," says Lexi.

"I was devastated at the time, but we needed the money. Looking back now, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

When she later lost her administrative role during COVID, rather than seeing it as a setback, she enrolled in a fees-free mechanical engineering pre-trade programme, discovering a career she had never previously considered. Her experience reflects the growing emphasis on the visibility of vocational education in New Zealand, with stronger connections between schools, employers and industry creating more pathways for young people to discover careers through hands-on learning.

"I'd always enjoyed woodwork and graphics at school and realised I loved working with my hands and solving problems," she says.

"Once I started learning fabrication and welding, I knew I'd found something I genuinely loved."

That programme ultimately led her to NCS Acoustics, where she earned a Competenz apprenticeship and has continued to exceed expectations. Alongside completing her apprenticeship, the business has invested heavily in her development, supporting her through leadership programmes and promoting her into a supervisory role.

Competenz Training Advisor Joe Nuku says Lexi's appetite for learning has set her apart from the beginning.

"Lexi has shown huge potential from day one and has carved out an impressive career in a relatively short time.

"Progressing from production operator to second-in-charge on the workshop floor while still completing her apprenticeship says a lot about both her capability and her attitude. Her assessment work is consistently completed to a very high standard, and you can clearly see the pride she takes in everything she does.”

Like many women entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, Lexi says she initially felt she had to prove herself.

"When I first started in the industry, I was really shy and lacked confidence," she says.

"There were definitely moments early on where I felt I had to prove what I was capable of. But once you keep learning and back yourself, your confidence grows. Now I know I can do anything I put my mind to."

She credits the support of her employer, mentors and Competenz with helping build that confidence and opening doors she never imagined possible.

Winning the Bunnings award has only strengthened her determination to build her skills.

Part of the $12,000 prize package will help fund a welding machine for The South Standard, her ‘side hustle’ furniture restoration and fabrication business she is building from her home garage. Alongside restoring furniture in her spare time, she hopes to undertake custom fabrication projects while continuing to use her skills to support local organisations, including carrying out welding work for her kickboxing club Oliver MMA in South Auckland.

"I've always wanted to keep learning," says Lexi.

"Leaving school didn't change that. My apprenticeship has given me opportunities I never imagined, and I hope my story shows other young people that there are so many different pathways to build a career you love."

Matt hopes stories like Lexi's encourage more women to consider a future in the trades.

"We hope these awards help shine a light on the range of opportunities available and show that the trades are a rewarding and viable career path for women.

"By sharing the stories of women like Lexi, who are demonstrating resilience, leadership and success in their fields, we hope others will see what's possible and feel confident taking that first step into an apprenticeship."