Libby Wyatt is sharpening her scissors and her skills in preparation to go head-to-head with her industry peers in Australia’s largest vocational education competition next month.
Libby, 19, from Casino, studies hairdressing at TAFE Wollongbar and is one of eight TAFE students from region who will compete in the WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships in August.
Winners from the national championships are selected for the Australian Skillaroos team to compete against more than 75 countries in France next year. The international championships have run every two years since 1950.
Libby will join 500 students in Melbourne for three days of competition.
Libby said she’s willing to work hard to achieve her goals. She recently bought her first home.
“Buying a house is something young people are told is an impossible dream, but anything is possible,” Libby said.
“You have to put in the hard work, so enjoying what you do is important.”
TAFE gave her the skills and qualification to get the job she loves.
“Now I get to showcase my passion on the national stage – it’s a dream come true,” she said.
“My long-term goal is to have my own salon, but for now I want to learn as much as I can about products, technology, and trends.”
The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 17-19.