Built to RISE: Leading with Confidence – Ashley Belteky’s Story
For Ashley Belteky, leadership isn’t about job titles or positions of authority.
It’s about taking responsibility for how we show up every day.
A qualified diesel mechanic, founder of Blue Leader, host of Tradies Who Lead and mentor with Together We RISE, Ashley has spent her career working across transport, mining, construction and training environments. Along the way, she’s learned that confidence, leadership and strong workplace relationships are skills that can be developed by anyone, regardless of where they are in their career journey.
Recognising Capability
One of the biggest challenges Ashley sees, particularly among apprentices, is recognising just how capable they already are.
“It’s easy to overlook our progress, all the experience we have gained and the challenges we’ve already overcome.”
When surrounded by people with years more experience, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t know rather than acknowledging how far we’ve come. Ashley believes this is where mentors and role models play an important role, helping apprentices understand that confidence isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about backing yourself while continuing to learn.
Lessons from the Jobs Nobody Wanted
Some of Ashley’s most valuable lessons came from the tasks many apprentices know all too well — the jobs nobody else wanted to do.
Rather than seeing them as setbacks, Ashley learned they were opportunities to build character and reputation.
“People notice more than they say.”
These experiences taught her that our attitude, energy and willingness to contribute all shape our personal brand. Whether we’re completing routine tasks or tackling more complex work, how we show up matters.
Leadership Starts with Self
Ashley often describes leadership as a practice, not a position.
“The first step to all good leadership is taking responsibility for how we lead ourselves.”
For apprentices, leadership starts with everyday choices — how we respond when things don’t go to plan, how we treat others, and how we conduct ourselves when nobody is watching.
By learning to lead ourselves first, we create positive examples for those around us and build habits that will support us throughout our careers.
Strong Teams Are Built on Strong Relationships
Through her work with Blue Leader and Tradies Who Lead, Ashley has worked alongside people from across the trades industry.
One thing consistently stands out.
“The strongest teams have strong relationships.”
Strong teams aren’t built because everyone agrees all the time. They’re built on respect, trust and a willingness to support one another.
When people feel valued and able to be themselves at work, workplaces become safer, more engaged and more productive.
Giving Back Through Together We RISE
As a Together We RISE mentor, Ashley is passionate about helping women apprentices access the support and connections she wishes she’d found earlier in her own journey.
“I didn’t connect with the women-in-trade community until after I was qualified, and I wish I had found it sooner.”
She understands that many of the challenges women face in trades are often small and cumulative. Having a network of people who understand those experiences can make a significant difference.
For Ashley, mentoring is an opportunity to share lessons learned, encourage confidence and help others recognise their own potential.
Looking to the Future
Ashley is optimistic about the future of the trades industry.
She sees growing momentum, stronger support networks and more people working to create positive change across workplaces and communities.
“There’s so much incredible work happening to drive positive change.”
For those beginning their own trade journey, Ashley offers simple but powerful advice:
Trust yourself and never stop exploring.
Because confidence grows through experience, leadership starts with self-awareness, and every person has the potential to make a positive impact — big or small.
💜 Built to RISE celebrates the stories of apprentices, mentors and industry leaders who are helping shape the future for women in trades through the Together We RISE community.
About Together We RISE
Together We RISE is a national initiative supporting women apprentices and trainees to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through mentoring, peer connection, industry engagement and leadership development, the program is helping build a more inclusive and supportive workforce.
Together We RISE is delivered by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) in partnership with WAVE, the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and Bendigo Kangan Institute, and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations through the Building Women’s Careers Program.
To learn more, visit www.naenrise.com.au
