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 is Kristy Perrin of Drumbo, Ont.

She was selected from among 27 applicants from across Canada and will be trained to obtain an A/Z  licence as her award.

“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. We will be closely following Kristy on her journey to become a professional driver.”

Perrin wrote in her essay, “I was exposed to the truck driving industry young as my father would drive truck to supplement the farm’s income. I’d 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 decided she wanted to become a professional driver so she can see North America and enjoy independence and job security. She wants to be a car hauler, like her husband, saying she has yet to meet a female car hauler. “I’d 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 maledominated profession.”