The scholarships provide financial assistance to local women studying or planning to study a non-traditional trade and are intended to promote these trades as a career path for women. 

Jessica is in her first year of a four-year mechanical (light vehicle)  apprenticeship at McCarroll Motors.  She has been undertaking the school-based part-time apprenticeship while completing her HSC at Mudgee High School.   

After completing her light vehicle apprenticeship, she hopes to undertake a heavy vehicle mechanical apprenticeship.  

Tayla-Rose will begin a mechanical (light vehicle) apprenticeship at Ross Granata Motors in 2014, after undertaking work experience there. 

Jessica and Tayla-Rose both  said the scholarships would help them to buy tools and work clothing,  as well as meeting the cost of travelling to Dubbo to attend TAFE. 

Jessica said she had always had a passion for mechanical work, having worked on cars with her father. 

“I get satisfaction from working on vehicles and knowing that I’ve got the job done and the customer is happy with the end result,” she said. 

Council’s people and culture manager Michele George said council was excited to be able to offer the scholarships, which are supported by the NSW Government through Women NSW. 

Mid-Western Regional Council was one of only 11 organisations in NSW to receive funding for projects of this type. 

She congratulated Tayla-Rose and Jessica on receiving the scholarships and McCarroll Motors and Ross Granata Motors for employing and supporting women in non-traditional roles. 

“Non-traditional trades offer fantastic opportunities for women, particularly in rural and regional communities,” Mrs George said. 

“Tayla-Rose and Jessica are both incredibly passionate about their chosen careers and are looking forward to encouraging other women to work in non-traditional trades.”