FIONA Shewring of Maianbar has been named the Painting and Decorating Trade Teacher of the Year in recognition of what the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence described as ``tireless efforts to encourage and support women in non-traditional female trades''.

She received the award at the Trade Teacher of the Year Awards earlier this month.

Ms Shewring said she would spend a portion of her $10,000 prize money on producing a documentary about women in skilled trades.

``I'd love if the documentary could then be used to encourage employers to take on women apprentices,'' she said.

``I was absolutely thrilled to win as I felt that it validated all the hard work that I had put in, firstly as a tradesperson and then as a trade teacher, particularly in regards to the work I have done to help other women.''

The institute's chief executive, Brian Wexham, said the awards

``are an excellent way to recognise teachers who excel in their chosen fields, and also provide the teacher with some funding to further develop teaching practices.''