Noosa District State High School Year 11 student Kate Howard won’t have to look too far if she needs assistance taking on her apprenticeship.
The bubbly 15 year old is enthusiastic at the prospect of following in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps into the fashionable world of hairdressing.
It’s fair to say that Kate already has a good understanding of the industry after growing up in hairdressing salons since she was four weeks old.
“It’s been a natural progression for me. My Grandmother has been a qualified hairdresser and trainer for over 50 years and mum has owned a number of hair salons including a large salon in Mount Isa which she owned for 17 years,” Kate said.
Having just commenced her Certificate III in Hairdressing, the school-based apprentice expects to be spending a lot of time at her mums recently opened salon, Corrina Howard Hairdressing, in Pomona on the Sunshine Coast.
BUSY At Work Industry Training Consultant, Sharon Hollis said it was wonderful to see someone so young excited to be working and studying in their chosen career.
“Kate already knows what she wants to achieve in life and it is fantastic that she has the full support of her mother and grandmother who have set a wonderful example for her,” Ms Hollis said.
As part of her apprenticeship Kate will be working at the salon one full day a week as well as most afternoons after school.
Kate’s mum Corrina Howard was delighted to see her daughter begin her apprenticeship.
“Kate is a very good listener and works well with people of all ages. I am very proud of her and know that she will do very well in this industry.”
Corrina said she was also very thankful for the support she had received from BUSY At Work.
“They were very prompt and efficient and made the process very easy for us,” Ms Howard said.
As part of her initial training Kate will be learning about salon cleanliness and hygiene, hair washing, colour swatches and making appointments.
Kate said she felt hairdressing was about making people feel good about themselves.
“When people come in to get their hair done they often like to share some of their life story. I love to see their reactions afterwards and see the delight on their faces when they have their hair done,” Kate said.
Kate said she hoped to emulate her mum who travelled overseas a lot while using hairdressing to earn an income along the way.
“Hairdressing is a very portable skill which you can take anywhere and travelling overseas has always been one of my goals,” Kate added.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said BUSY was delighted to see young people like Kate following in the footsteps of previous generations.
“Kate’s mother and grandmother have been wonderful role models for Kate and set a fine example for her to follow. I am looking forward to following Kate’s career and we wish her all the success for the future,” Mr Miles said.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
