Nadine Gratton

Competitor in Skill: Hairdressing
Country: New Zealand

How did you get interested in your skill?
I have always had a passion for hair from a young age,  but it was at high school where I decided that it was what I wanted to do as my career. At my high school (Marlborough girls) it had a salon and we did it as a subject, that was by far my favourite subject.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
I did a few of my units at Marlborough girls from there I moved to Nelson and went to NMIT and did the full time course for 1 year after my year at NMIT I got my apprenticeship at Ursula Harris hair design and completed the rest of my Apprenticeship (2 years).


How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I first hears of WorldSkills through a work member who was competing, I seen her training and thought the skill was amazing and I wanted to be a part of it.

What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
My experience in participating has been WorldSkills regional, national, and Oceania competitions in
Hamilton at Wontec. Also the team camps.

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment so far has definatley been the Oceania competition. I loved competing beside other countries and seeing their work was amazing.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills.
All my experiences with WorkdSkills have been amazing. Starting WorldSkills is an experience I will never forget I have been able to meet so many amazing people and expand my skill set hugely through WorldSkills.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your
skill? Please describe.
It absolutley has - it's really opened my eyes to a whole new level of hairdressing. it's helped me really train my eyes for detail and I have learned a whole lot of new skills I wouldn't have got from everyday hairdressing.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am currently a senior stylist at Ursula Harris hair design in Nelson, NZ.

What are your future career aspirations?
I have so many future aspirations and goals I want to do/achieve. My near future goals will be to stay involved in WorldSkills and help train any way I can for future competitions.