Competitor Q&A
Q&A with Alexis Scott, Hairdressing Gold Medal winner and recipient of the CareerOne Best Performed Competitor Award
Alexis won the CareerOne Best Performed Competitor Award at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition Brisbane 2010. She also won a Gold Medal in the category of Hairdressing. Alexis had the highest score of all the competitors at the competition. Alexis is from the West Australian region, her employer is Salon De Coiffure and her training provider is South West Regional College - Bunbury. WorldSkills Australia had a chat to Alexis following her success at the National Competition.
What was it like competing at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition Brisbane 2010?
Being involved with WorldSkills Australia National Competition has been the best experience of my life. Knowing you’re up against the best people your age in the country is amazing there is no other feeling that can beat that.
How did you feel on Familiarisation Day? Overwhelmed, excited, ready to begin?
I was nervous but excited and just wanted to make sure I asked all the questions I wanted answered before day 1 and to make sure my tool box had arrived safely. At the end of the day I was a bit overwhelmed but deep down I was ready to go and just wanted to start the competition.
How many people competed in your category?
There were 25 girls.
What projects did you complete over the three days of competition?
What style or project did you like best/worst?
Over the three days we did seven different tasks ranging from men’s classic cut, to avant-garde cuts and colour, to men’s fashion perms. Then ladies technical colours and cuts, to fashion up styles and cuts also conversions. I was very happy with all my styles, I had trained very hard in the lead up to the Nationals so to see them all finished and knowing I had achieved what I wanted to achieve at the end of the three days was a very proud moment- and all my training had payed off!
How did it feel winning Gold? What was your feeling when your name was called out as the Best Performed Competitor at the National Competition?
Awesome!!! I trained so hard and wanted it so much. To hear my name called out as the National Gold Medallist was the best feeling of achievement ever. To then hear my name called as the best performed competitor was unreal, a total surprise, I couldn’t believe it. It still doesn’t feel real. I’m so excited about the year ahead and being able to represent Australia in London. (WSA is currently reviewing all categories and all national competition medalists with a view to naming a ‘Training Squad’ for London 2011. This squad will be assessed in the next few months with regard to skill level, commitment and support).
How has your life changed since winning a Gold Medal?
Winning the Gold Medal has opened many doors within my career. Since competing at the National Competition I have judged hair shows, given talks with other hairdressers to share my experience and gained new cliental. I am now looking forward to travelling, learning new skills and people in the lead up to London. (Selection currently under review)
How would you describe the WorldSkills Australia National Competition?
WorldSkills is a wonderful competition to be a part of as it gives you a great sense of achievement that no other competition gives you. It is challenging, inspiring and exhilarating. A wonderful competition!
Would you recommend other apprentices; trainees and VET in School Students take up the challenge of competition?
YES!!! Absolutely! It’s such a great opportunity and experience to gain new skills and be the best you can be.
