Emerging hairdressing talent Hannah Gerritsen has been chosen as part of the 2024 Skillaroos team to complete in the 47th International WorldSkills Competition, taking place in the French city of Lyon from September 10 to 15.
Hannah works for Belinda’s Hair Creations and is a student of TAFE NSW West Wollongong. Her talent for hair is anchored in her lifelong passion for the craft, which has been practically supported by her family and in her employment and guided by Janelle, her TAFE teacher, who has been crucial to her career and competition journey. Hannah’s focus on personal client connections and her understanding of her important responsibility as a hairdresser has also seen her find success.
“My personal goal was to make it to Nationals and finish every task given, no matter the outcome, and winning was a bonus. I plan to have this same mindset for Lyon. To produce work that my supporters and I can be proud of,” Hannah shared.
Hannah has now earned her place as one of 33 young apprentices, trainees, and students representing Australia, hailing from all over Australia. This is the largest delegation the organisation has sent overseas since Lyon last hosted in 1995, with the broader team of competitors, trainers, officials, and team management being their largest contingent of all time. Fittingly, this WorldSkills competition will be the biggest ever, with over 1,500 competitors from 65 countries set to compete in 59 skills, and 250,000 visitors expected to attend as well.
“I want to congratulate everyone on making the Australian team for WorldSkills and I wish them the best of luck competing in France later this year,” shared Federal Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP. “The team travelling over to Europe in September is an incredibly talented bunch, and I look forward to following their progress.”
“The Albanese Government is proud to be supporting the Skillaroos. By representing Australia in France, you become part of our nation’s rich competitive story – of a small country that always shines on the international stage,” he added. “I saw the high quality of competitors at the WorldSkills National Championships in Melbourne in August, and I’m excited to watch the Skillaroos take that excellence to the world.”
Represented vocations will include Plumbing, Carpentry, Baking, Industry 4.0, Cyber Security, and Fashion Design. Team members have earned their place in the national team over two years, beginning with a regional WorldSkills competition in 2022 that involved more than 3,000 competitors, and moving to the National Championships in 2023, through which medallists became eligible for selection in Team Australia. Team members travel with experts to guide them in the competition.
“Congratulations to every Skillaroo on their selection. We’re incredibly excited to be sending our biggest team ever to Lyon and look forward to the fierce but friendly competition that the International Competition brings,” said WorldSkills Australia CEO, Trevor Schwenke. “The calibre of talent in this team is second to none. Their skills, positive attitude and professionalism is inspiring and we wish them all the best when they head to France and fly the flag for Aussie skills.”
“We have team members who have made sacrifices in their personal lives and had to overcome adversity to be crowned the best in their skill and profession. As hopeful as we are that the team will bring home gold, they’re already winners.”
“WorldSkills Australia would like to thank everyone who has made it possible to send our largest team ever to the 47th International Competition. The collaborative support from Federal and State governments, TAFE Organisations and Industry Partners is a great reflection of the importance Australia places on skills,” added WorldSkills Australia Chair, Kevin Harris.
WorldSkills Australia mentors and encourages young people to consider a career in vocational, technological, and service-oriented careers, through which over 100,000 people have competed in national and international skill competitions. The organisation is a key advocate, striving to address skills shortages and ensure Australia builds and retains talent in vital industries.
For more information visit www.worldskills.org.au
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