Built to RISE: Supporting Apprentices to Succeed – Hannah Legg’s Story
“Confidence isn’t built overnight. It grows every time someone is given the opportunity to learn, contribute and be part of the team.”
Through Built to RISE, we’re sharing the stories of apprentices, mentors and industry leaders helping shape stronger, more inclusive workplaces across Australia.
As Director of HER Engineering and a qualified Fitter Machinist, Plant Mechanic and Fluid Power Technician, Hannah Legg brings both lived experience and leadership to her role as a Together We RISE mentor.
Having completed her own apprenticeship, Hannah understands the challenges that come with starting out in the trades—and the difference the right support can make.
Seeing Potential Before Perfection
One of the biggest influences on how Hannah mentors today comes from her own experience as an apprentice.
She remembers what it felt like to be learning, building confidence and finding her place in the industry. Those experiences shaped her belief that apprentices don’t need to know everything—they need opportunities to learn.
Rather than expecting perfection, Hannah looks for effort, curiosity and a willingness to have a go.
Showing up, asking questions and staying open to learning are the qualities she believes matter most. Technical skills come with experience, but confidence develops through consistent encouragement and real opportunities to grow.
The Environment Matters
For Hannah, an apprentice’s success is never just about individual ability.
The workplace environment plays a critical role in shaping confidence, capability and long-term success.
Having experienced mentors, supportive teammates and leaders willing to invest time in teaching can transform an apprentice’s journey.
With clear expectations, patience and genuine support, apprentices are able to develop the confidence to take ownership of their work and continue building their skills.
Supporting Women in the Trades
As a mentor with Together We RISE, Hannah is passionate about creating workplaces where women feel they belong.
From her perspective, one of the most meaningful ways to support women apprentices is surprisingly simple—treat them as part of the team.
Not differently.
Not with lower expectations.
Simply with the same opportunities, standards and respect afforded to everyone else.
When apprentices feel included and valued, they’re able to focus on developing their skills rather than feeling they have to constantly prove themselves.
The Lasting Impact of Mentoring
Through mentoring, Hannah has watched apprentices grow in ways that extend far beyond technical skills.
She sees confidence develop through everyday conversations, encouragement and the willingness to keep showing up.
The apprentice who once hesitated to ask questions begins taking ownership.
The apprentice who doubted themselves begins backing their own decisions.
It’s these small moments of growth that, over time, become lasting confidence.
Building the Future Together
Programs like Together We RISE recognise that supporting women in trades isn’t just about recruitment—it’s about creating environments where apprentices can thrive.
By connecting apprentices with experienced mentors like Hannah, the program helps build confidence, strengthen networks and ensure women entering the trades know they’re not doing it alone.
Because confidence isn’t something we’re born with.
It’s something we build—together.
💜 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 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
