Designed to support and accelerate the careers of women across the automotive industry, the Auto Women Scholarships provide access to high-impact leadership and professional development programs. These scholarships are tailored to empower women at different stages of their careers – those stepping into leadership roles and those already operating at an executive level – by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks required to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Program Overview
LEADERS UNLEASHED: SPRINT HURDLES
Sprint Hurdles is a 16-week leadership development program designed for emerging leaders, supervisors and people stepping into leadership for the first time.
Moving into leadership brings new responsibilities and challenges. Sprint Hurdles provides participants with the foundations to lead people effectively, building capability across areas including leadership confidence, communication, emotional intelligence, leadership presence and practical people leadership.
The program combines structured learning with individual coaching, peer discussion and practical workplace application, allowing participants to put new skills and strategies into practice throughout the program.
Duration: 16-week program duration
Delivery: Online with live workshops and self-paced learning modules
Valued at: $3,795 inc. GST
Eligibility Criteria: Applications are open to women working in the automotive industry who meet one of the following criteria:
- Minimum fourth-year apprentice; or
- At least two years’ experience in the automotive industry
This program combines:
Facilitated leadership development sessions
Practical leadership frameworks and tools
DISC Behavioural Profiling
Individual coaching
Peer learning and discussion within the cohort
Workplace application between sessions
LEADERS UNLEASHED: ASCENSION
Ascension is an 11-week executive leadership development program designed for experienced managers and leaders who are ready to strengthen their leadership capability and prepare for more senior or executive-level roles.
As leadership responsibilities grow, success increasingly requires the ability to look beyond day-to-day operations, influence others, think strategically and contribute to the broader direction of an organisation.
Ascension supports participants to make this transition by developing greater self-awareness, strategic leadership capability and confidence. Through executive leadership development, individual coaching and peer learning, participants are supported to broaden their impact and apply their learning within their organisation.
Duration: 11-week program duration
Format: Online with live workshops and self-paced learning modules
Valued at: $6,875 incl. GST
Eligibility Criteria: Applications are open to women working in the automotive industry who meet one of the following criteria:
- Minimum five years’ experience in the automotive industry; and
- Minimum two years’ leadership experience.
This program combines:
Facilitated executive leadership development sessions
Practical leadership frameworks and tools
DISC Behavioural Profiling and a Leadership 360 assessment
Peer learning with other experienced leaders
Individual executive coaching
Workplace application
Scholarship Opportunities
Auto Women Scholarships are available through both national and Queensland-based opportunities, helping more women across Australia’s automotive industry access high-quality leadership development.
Scholarship eligibility varies depending on your residential address. Women living in Queensland and the Northern Rivers region may be eligible for both Queensland and national scholarship opportunities, while applicants residing elsewhere in Australia may be eligible for national scholarships.
Applicants should review the scholarship options below to determine which opportunities are available to them.
Application Dates
Applications for the Auto Women Scholarships are accepted throughout the year, giving eligible women the flexibility to apply when the time is right for them.
Applications are reviewed and assessed across two rounds each year. Applications received by each cut-off date will be considered as part of the corresponding assessment round.
| Assessment Round | Applications Received By | Successful Applicants Notified |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 31 March | April |
| Round 2 | 31 October | November |
Program Provider
Performastery Leadership Facilitation
Fiona Cullen is an experienced leadership facilitator and coach with more than 25 years’ experience across the commercial, not-for-profit and public sectors. Since moving into leadership facilitation and coaching in 2008, Fiona has worked with more than 2,500 individuals across a diverse range of industries, supporting business owners, managers and emerging leaders to become more confident and effective in the way they lead.
Her approach is practical and grounded in the realities of the workplace, with a focus on skills leaders can apply immediately. This includes communication and feedback, navigating difficult conversations, building trust and accountability, managing priorities, setting boundaries and delegating effectively.
Through her programs, Fiona helps participants better understand their leadership style, strengthen their capability and develop practical strategies to lead themselves and others with greater confidence.
FAQs
When can I apply for a scholarship?
Which program is right for me?
Sprint Hurdles is designed for emerging leaders, supervisors and those stepping into leadership for the first time.
Ascension is designed for experienced leaders and managers looking to strengthen their strategic leadership capability and prepare for more senior leadership roles.
Do I need to work in the automotive industry to apply?
What is included in the scholarship?
Are the programs delivered online?
What if I am unsuccessful?
Who can I contact for more information?
Does my location affect which scholarships I can apply for?
Past Scholarship Recipients
Over the years, the Auto Women Scholarships have supported women from across the automotive industry to invest in their professional development, strengthen their leadership capability and take the next step in their careers.
Meet our past scholarship recipients and learn more about their career journeys, experiences and achievements.