Automotive refinisher Sienna Whiting has secured one of two Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) 2023 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Trainer Scholarships.
The scholarships provide an opportunity for automotive professionals to advance their careers by undertaking a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), a course that provides the skills and knowledge to deliver training in the VET sector. Valued at more than $2500, the scholarships are awarded to one female and one male candidate each round.
Whiting has more than 10 years’ experience in the body shop industry, spending the last three years with Jonkers Smash Repairs. In early 2022 she became paint shop foreman, managing a team of three people including an apprentice.
While she currently provides on-the-job work experience to apprentices, Whiting aims to become an automotive trainer and hopes to use the scholarship to build upon her skills and deliver higher quality training.
“My biggest mentor has been my own automotive trainer, who has encouraged me and supported me from apprentice to qualified,” said Whiting. “I hope to one day provide a supportive learning environment, instilling the same respectful values and barrier-free career pathway that I experienced.”
The VET Trainer Scholarship is available twice per year and is open to trade-qualified automotive employees in Queensland with at least five years’ experience. The next scholarship round will open on 1 August 2023.