The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC) and Crossroads Ottawa have handed out their first scholarship to a woman aspiring to become a professional truck driver.
The winner was Kristy Perrin of Drumbo, Ont. She was selected from among 27 applicants from across Canada.
“We can all relate to being young, with a dream that seems out of reach. She’s never lost sight of her dream and now she has the ability to fulfill it through this scholarship program,” said Shelley Uvanile-Hesch, CEO of the WTFC. “The decision wasn’t easy for our board as all the applicants had put a lot of information into their essays.”
Perrin will be trained to obtain an A/Z licence as her award.
“We will be closely following Kristy on her journey to become a professional driver,” said Uvanile-Hesch.
Perrin wrote in her essay that “I was exposed to the truck driving industry young as my father would drive truck to supplement the farm’s income. I would enjoy our scenic drives across Ontario. It was nice to spend one-on-one time with my father as I was one of four children. This is where I learned to appreciate the work of a truck driver and the skills it takes, such as patience, being a self-starter, and good work ethic.”
Perrin married a truck driver and has learned the business side of the industry. She has decided she wants to also become a professional driver, so she can see North America and enjoy independence and job security. She aspires to be a car hauler, like her husband. She says she has yet to meet a female car hauler.
“I would like the opportunity to work in this industry and prove that I have the skills and endurance to be successful,” Perrin wrote. “I believe that women can do anything and can be extraordinary in this male-dominated profession.”
