In a busy printing facility filled with the steady rhythm of large machinery, Laila Stevens is at the beginning of a journey that combines technical precision with artistic appreciation, finding an unexpected alignment between manufacturing and her creative interests.

The lithographic printer apprentice works with complex printing equipment, producing a wide variety of printed materials through a highly technical process.

“I’m a lithographic printer that works in manufacturing. A lithographic printer is basically a massive printing machine. We print all kinds of stuff like books and calendars, notepads, coasters,” said Laila. “Each unit has a different colour, and you have to use lithographic plates and those plates get burned with an image. Each job has a separate set of plates.”

Laila’s path to manufacturing wasn’t direct or planned, coming after disappointment in another trade that ultimately led to a more welcoming environment.

“I was in the carpentry industry for a bit, but I didn’t feel like they were as accepting as printing and manufacturing is for women,” said Laila. “I was kind of down and wanted to quit my job in carpentry. Then a family friend told me about printing and how they use photography and put that on paper. And I was like, ‘That’s amazing, I want to do that.’”

This career shift has proven fortuitous, connecting to her existing creative passions and providing a fresh perspective on her hobby.

“That kind of helped with printing because of the detail you have to look for—colours and tones and images.”

Though new to her role, Laila has already been embraced by a company with an innovative approach to training apprentices.

“Our company is doing a different thing where they are trying to get more apprentices in… they throw apprentices right into it. They show them what you can do straight away instead of making them do all the unnecessary things before,” said Laila. “It’s to encourage apprentices to keep on board, to show them that there’s more to printing and bindery than what other places show them first up.”

Already an advocate for manufacturing careers, Laila is actively working to introduce others to the opportunities she’s discovered.

“Emma and I have been going to schools—primary and high schools—showing that we are a team in manufacturing and looking to bring more people on,” said Laila.

Her advice to young women considering manufacturing careers reflects both her confidence and understanding of the uncertainty many young people face.