Bridget Baldwin, undertaking a painting and decorating apprenticeship, received the $2000 funding to help her with purchasing tools and other expenses.

The 22-year-old, chosen from 18 applicants across NSW, thanked the support of the Lloyd family.

“It does mean a lot – being the first to receive it.

“It means I’d be able to get further along with things I can’t do with just my apprenticeship,” Ms Baldwin said.

“Don’t be scared to get in and do it – if things go wrong, there’s always someone there to help,” she said.

The Sarah Lloyd Scholarship was founded in Sarah’s honour, who was involved in an accident in August 2017 that tragically ended her life at 19.

Melinda Mack, a family friend, decided to focus on creating something positive out of the tragedy.

After suggesting her idea to a small group of people, Sarah Lloyd Scholarship Fund was formed.

Tracey Lloyd, mother of Sarah, said it was a fitting way to honour her daughter.

“It’s nice to see a legacy for Sarah from such good friends and from people who loved her as much as we did.”

“We’re hoping the scholarship would give girls the same tools as the blokes – to make the transition a bit easier,” she said.

The scholarship is aimed at supporting young women wanting to work in non-traditional trades.

It is awarded to a successful candidate every year on July 16, which is Sarah’s birthday.

Sarah’s father, Daniel, said it was a strong way to remember his daughter.

“I know Sarah was desperate to do a trade. And then she loved doing it,” he said.

Mr Lloyd said he understood the difficulties young women faced in entering male-dominated industries.

“The scholarship is only a small amount, but it might be that little thing that gets someone over the line.

“All I can say is that I’m proud to congratulate Bridget for winning it this year,” he said.

At the announcement, certificates of appreciation were also handed to individuals and organisations that have supported the family.

Cathy LeCerf, team leader at ATEL and committee member of the fund, said she loved “the passion from the staff and love that they could work with you [Daniel and Tracey Lloyd]”.

“This is a wonderful scholarship and wonderful foundation – it’s a lasting memory of Sarah.

“ATEL is just ecstatic that we can play a small part in it,” Ms LeCerf said.

Looking ahead, Mr Lloyd said the Sarah Lloyd Fund would be a charitable organisation in a “very short time”.

“We’re just waiting for some paperwork to come through, hence why we haven’t pushed any further yet.”

He said the move would be great for two reasons: to honour Sarah’s legacy and to improve the female participation rates in trade industries.