Year 12 student Chelsea Merlino is undertaking a school-based apprenticeship in hairdressing in addition to earning her HSC. Her salon skills have so impressed industry experts that she’s been selected to compete at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Melbourne.

The event is the country’s largest vocational education and excellence competition and showcases the talent of up-and-coming hairstylists as well as those with tradeskills in a range of other industries. Competitors like Chelsea who do well at regional competitions are invited to the Championships, where tens of thousands of spectators watch Australia’s best trades and skills talent compete. Hairdressing challenges can include re-creating a technically-challenging set style or colour as well as achieving an original style that impresses the judges. National medallists can be invited to train for the international competition that follows.

Chelsea said the event is a good stepping stone for her in a career that was an unexpected surprise.

“This is an exciting opportunity! I’ve always liked doing hair but I never knew how much I would actually love doing it as a career. The techniques that need to be used to achieve an amazing hairstyle or colour are satisfying to master,” she said.

At age 14, Chelsea started working in a salon in Earlwood, where she continues to work today.

“My school-based apprenticeship has opened doors I only ever dreamed of and the future looks bright and promising in my chosen career path!”

In addition to being talented in the creative arts, music and hospitality, Chelsea is extremely driven to learn and maximise her opportunities while at school.

“The school-based apprenticeship is a hands-on way of learning which puts me on the path to earning a qualification in my trade whilst I work towards my HSC. I really enjoy the variety of attending St Ursula’s College and Southern Cross College in combination with salon-based working days; it has made the learning experience invigorating! In Term 4, I will be venturing into TAFE full-time.”

“This learning structure has given me the confidence to embark on further studies outside of school in my spare time and I have now completed a make-up artist’s course, which is another qualification to add to my skill set for my future prospects.”

Chelsea said that, while exciting, the VET pathway is not without its challenges.

“There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes of being a school-based apprentice,” she said.

“As a student, you need to be diligent, responsible and organised. You need to be hard working, ambitious and strive each day to continue to work on yourself. I am grateful for this pathway and thankful for my parents’ guidance and support, and for the support of my employer and mentor, as well as that of all the amazing teachers and support staff at St Ursula’s College and Southern Cross College,” Chelsea said.

The 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships run from 17-19 August 2023. Our College community congratulates Chelsea on her dedication to her craft and wishes her the very best at the event. We look forward to hearing about Chelsea’s experience in the competition!