Ashlea Pearce

Ashlea Pearce is making waves in the recruitment industry.

At just 28 years old, she has already spent over six years supplying labour hire and recruitment services to the cabinet making and Shopfitting industry, placing more than 2,890 people into jobs.

It hasn’t been an easy journey, with challenges to recruit workers known across the industry, especially during the pandemic, but Ashlea says building genuine long-term relationships with both candidates and clients helps.

“For cabinet makers & shopfitters, being personable goes a long way to building rapport – “I’ve spent a lot of time at workshops, sites and on the phone understanding their professional desires. The occasional coffee and Hi-Vis shirt goes a long way,” Ashlea says.

“I’ve dealt with many candidates who are super grateful after we have found them full-time work. Many have been working casually and if they have a mortgage or have kids, they are so thankful when they are placed into full-time roles. Others love working casually because they like the variety of work as every company has a different style of work.

“Once you build a good network, people end up calling you. At the end of the day, I like helping clients and candidates find the right fit.”
One of her biggest achievements has been becoming the only recruiter on the QLD IFA Committee. This has allowed her to work closely with clients and other suppliers in the industry, which has been a great source of professional growth.

“Being on the IFA QLD Committee for the past three years has given me more insight in the industry, different projects, safety and legislation and the ability to find out about things happening in the industry first-hand so I can pass this along to our workforce.”

When Ashlea first started in recruitment at the age of 19, she wasn’t aware of Blue Collar Trades at Nobul, nor had experience in the joinery industry.
“It was extremely daunting, to be honest,” she admits.

“I would spend so much time studying it and learning about it and since then I have learnt so much working within the industry, I’m now at a point where people come to me for advice which is very rewarding.” Currently studying for a Diploma in HR & Business, Ashlea is committed to continuous learning and development.

Over the past 12 months, Ashlea’s team has grown by an additional two people, and she was named in Nobul’s high achiever club last year.
Ashlea’s passion for the job comes from being a people person. She finds it extremely rewarding to help tradespeople find jobs that best suit their skill sets and help businesses find staff.
Nobul Directors Tim Killian and Mark Lee have been a significant source of support and inspiration, treating her like family since she joined the company.

“Ashlea is one of the most driven and determined individuals I have had the pleasure of working with,” Mark says.
“She is incredibly respected by her clients and our team internally because of her ability to deliver and her proven track record as a consistent high performer.”

As one of the few females in the industry, the Brisbane-based recruiter understands the challenges of working in a male-dominated field. However, she believes in Nobul’s genuine and honest approach to recruitment, which aligns with her own values.

Looking to the future, Ashlea has big plans. In 10 years, at almost 40, she hopes to be managing a team at Nobul.
Ideally, she would like to see Nobul extend its presence across Australia, and it’s clear that Ashlea is one to watch in the industry. Watch this space!