Award-winning Port Macquarie hairdressing apprentice Gaby Ware will compete for the right to represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Competition in Abu Dhabi this October.

Over 100 people from 16 countries will attend the Global Skills Challenge competition in Newcastle from July 5 until July 8  ahead of the international event in Abu Dhabi.

The official Australian Team Skillaroos will be announced at the Global Skills Challenge closing ceremony on Saturday, July 8.

Gaby undertakes practical training 32 hours a week and works at Milan’s Hairdressing in Port Macquarie. The 20-year-old is one of nine TAFE NSW students and alumni in the Australian Skills Squad.

Gaby was a medal winner at the WorldSkills Australia national competition in October, 2016.  

Gaby has attended several training events in the UK and China in 2017 which have helped hone her skills. She has a third trip to China scheduled for mid-July.

Gaby said the Global Skills Challenge competition would be challenging. 

“There are nine different tasks including fashion haircutting, straightening, perming and barbering, she said.

“You don’t get any warning, so the winner has to be a good all-rounder and able to think quickly.

“It’s a bit like working at Milan’s and having a customer come in and ask for a specific hair design.

“You have to adapt to whatever is asked, know what you are doing and then deliver it to a high standard.”

TAFE NSW Port Macquarie hairdressing teacher Donna Demaria, who is also Gaby’s mentor, said the competition would test Gaby’s performance in relation to international standards.

"We certainly won't be giving away any secrets but it will be a good chance to gain further competitive experience,” she said. 

“It’s important Gaby doesn’t push too hard leading up to October and so we’ll reduce her training over the next few weeks so she peaks at the right time.

“WorldSkills is the international standard and competing at this level is a passport to international hairdressing opportunities.”