At an age where many young people are just starting university or still considering their options, Katie Fitzgerald is more than halfway to being a fully qualified professional.
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The 19-year-old has recently been recognised for her skills and dedication to her field with the Western Institute of TAFE Outstanding Hairdressing Apprentice Award for 2008/09.
Ms Fitzgerald is halfway through the third year of her four year apprenticeship with Pinnacle Hair Studio.
After two years of combining TAFE with working in the salon, she is now in the salon full -time.
She finished school in Year 11 after getting the apprenticeship.
“When I left school I thought about being able to have a skill and earn money at an age where most people are still studying,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
Being responsible for the way someone will look when they walk out the door has its pressures.
“It’s a very, very big responsibility. It’s very nerve-racking at first. When you start off you get a lot of dolls to practice on. There’s also a lot of older people who come into TAFE to get their hair done.”
Family members and friends have also provided heads to practice on.
Ms Fitzgerald was nominated for the award by her teachers and will be interviewed by TAFE directors this week ahead of a dinner to announce the TAFE Western Institute Apprentice of the Year on June 24.
In the meantime, she’s happy doing a job she loves.
“I love doing colours and cuts. I like it when you can change someone’s look and do a completely different style. It’s also an industry where people let out a lot to you. You get to be quite close to your clients,” she said.
Rather than take her skills to the bright lights of the city, Ms Fitzgerald will stay where she feels she will get the most career satisfaction.
“I would love to open up a salon of my own one day. I would love to stay working in a country area. You get that closeness with people,” she said.
