Gemma Edwards and Jade Robertson are out to prove that people from regional areas have access to the calibre of training required to compete at an elite level. 

Miss Edwards works for Milan’s Hairdressing in Port Macquarie, while Miss Robertson will be competing for the first time.

The prestigious three-day event provides 500 of Australia’s most talented students, trainees and apprentices with the chance to be crowned the ‘nation’s best’ in their chosen trade.

North Coast TAFE beauty teacher, Jo Shoesmith, will accompany the girls to Perth and believes the trip will be a life-changing experience.

“The girls will learn so much and the competition has been designed, and will be assessed, by industry experts who are at the highest level of their profession,” Mrs Shoesmith said.

“Gemma and Jade have both worked very hard, not only to achieve the level of skills to compete at national level, but also to raise the funds to get them to the event.”

If the girls are successful in Perth they may have the opportunity compete at an international level in 2015.