Albury painting and decorating apprentice, Makayla McMillan, is the proud recipient of a $2000 Sarah Lloyd Scholarship Fund.

The fund, which was set up to honour automotive apprentice Sarah Lloyd who died tragically in a car accident in 2017, is aimed at supporting women working in non-traditional trades.

Miss McMillan said she was honoured to be one of three scholarship recipients, adding the money will go a long way towards purchasing new uniforms.

“I was so shocked when I found out my application was successful, but I’m really grateful for the financial support and hope I can do Sarah and her family proud.”

Before starting her apprenticeship, Miss McMillan completed her HSC at Murray High School. Upon graduating, Miss McMillan said she didn’t have clear career aspirations and tried her hand at hospitality and retail.

“Neither of those jobs were right for me. I was unhappy and lacked direction. Then a friend recommended trying out a job with a local painting and decorating business, and as they say, the rest is history,” she said.

With the help of non-for-profit apprenticeship and training organisation, VERTO, Miss McMillan signed up to complete a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating with local Albury business, Mark Payne Painting & Decorating.”

“I love the physical nature of painting, but also the attention to detail. It’s really satisfying seeing a project through from start to finish,” Miss McMillan said.

“Up until this job, I hadn’t really considered an apprenticeship because I thought they were only for men, but women can absolutely perform well in non-traditional trades.

“That’s what the Sarah Lloyd Scholarship Fund is all about. Sarah was not afraid of being a female in a male dominated industry. She was breaking ground with her apprenticeship and Sarah wanted other females to do the same,” she said.

VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell congratulated Miss McMillan on her achievements and commitment to the painting and decorating trade.

“VERTO is supportive of any scholarship program that provides opportunities and support to aspiring apprentices to start, change or further their careers,” he said.

“The Sarah Lloyd Scholarship Fund is particularly special because it honours an apprentice who was a real trail blazer for other women working in non-traditional trades.

“Makayla is a dedicated and talented young apprentice with a bright future ahead of her, and a very deserving recipient of this financial support.”

Click here to find out more about the Sarah Lloyd Scholarship Fund.