‘‘It’s just creative, and I’m a really creative person,’’ she said.

‘‘So it’s nice and arty for me, but it’s still a solid job.

‘‘Some people just think of it as their maintenance... When I was in high school I was always doing mad things to my hair.’’

Her colourful approach will stand her in good stead as she participates in what is considered the nation’s largest trade and skill competition. 

After being crowned a regional champion in 2013, the Gerringong hairdresser has been selected to progress to the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Perth next week. 

The third-year apprentice at Angels Hair at Kiama will compete against other young champion hairdressers from up to 30 regions throughout Australia. 

The 20-year-old will be required to complete a series of technical and skill-based tasks, which will be judged by industry experts. 

Miss Gardner, who attended the Wollongong West campus of TAFE NSW’s Illawarra Institute, will also vye for a coveted position on the 2015 Team Australia Skillaroos who will head to São Paulo, Brazil for the WorldSkills International Competition.

Miss Gardner has been working hard to prepare and refine her skills  for the competition. 

‘‘Winning gold at the regional competition was an amazing feeling, but it was my score that I was really happy about,’’ she said of her near-perfect score of 98 per cent.

‘‘To know you are good at what you love is a wonderful feeling. 

‘‘I feel so honoured to be able to represent my region for hairdressing.

‘‘I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity to develop my skills and put them to the test.’’ 

Miss Gardner finishes her apprenticeship in February next year.

‘‘I’m not sure what I want to do,’’ she said.

‘‘There’s so many things that I can do with this job; I might travel.’’

WorldSkills Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation providing young people aged 23 and under the opportunity to gain new skills.