Queanbeyan cabinet maker Taylor Perrin gets a lot of satisfaction from her job.
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"I think because of the fact, there's a lot more fine detail involved and also the idea you can build something and see it finished and know that it's going to be in someone's house forever. That's a great feeling,'' she said.
Taylor, 25, last week won the tradesperson scholarship at the NSW National Women in Construction Awards at Darling Harbour in Sydney.
By her side was her dad John, a mechanic and spray painter, and her "main inspiration'' for pursuing a trade and instilling a strong work ethic early, along with her mum, Linda.
"My dad and mum bought me my first business when I was 10 – an ice machine and wood splitter,'' Taylor said.
"I would, with the help of my parents, bag up ice in summer and wood in winter to save money and learn about business. They have always run businesses and been high management in businesses in Canberra and Queanbeyan and have always been great examples to me.''
Taylor, a former student of Merici College, started her apprenticeship with Capital Veneering in Queanbeyan, in 2013, learning on the job how to make kitchens, vanities, wardrobes as well tackling other large commercial and residential jobs.
Her boss and mentor Ben Madden nominated her for the scholarship, which is open to trades women across NSW.
"Obviously in our industry, there are not a lot of women in our trade. I think it takes courage for a young female to get involved,'' Mr Madden said.
"Taylor has a great work ethic and a very positive, can-do attitude. She can take direction and just is very positive in everything she does.''
About 10 per cent of the 80-strong Capital Veneering staff are women including two apprentices. Mr Madden said he hoped more women would consider the trade as a career.
"We would have more women in the workforce every day of the week if they were available and willing to do it,'' he said.
Taylor is now fully qualified and moving into project management, determined to do her bit to give girls the confidence to try cabinet making.
"To any girl considering it, I would say, 'Go ahead and take the plunge','' she said.
She will use the $2000 scholarship for further study, motivated by those closest to her.
"When I first began at Capital Veneering, [Ben] mentored me each step of the way and has given me ample studying and training outside of work as well as onsite and in the workshop to get me where I am today,'' she said.
"Without my parents' guidance, inspiration and structure from a young age and Ben, James and the team at Capital Veneering’s constant support and guidance I would not be where I am today.''
