Twenty-one-year-old Emily Armistead has just been announced as the Apprentice of the Year for Hairdressing in the TAFE Gippsland Education Awards and the whole team at Mat’s Hair Factory in Lakes Entrance could not be prouder.
Emily started her hairdressing journey when she completed work experience at the salon but
decided to finish her education and went on to do year 12 before making a career decision.
In March 2022 she started an apprenticeship at Mat’s Hair Factory and from day one knew she had made the right decision.
“Straight away I loved what I had chosen to do, I really enjoy the creative side of hairdressing, but it was a very big surprise to get the award,” Emily said.
TAFE Gippsland had nominated Emily where she was up against apprentices from not just East Gippsland, but the entire
Gippsland area.
Both Emily and Mat had no idea she was the winner until the presentation on the night in Sale.
“I would like to acknowledge my TAFE teacher Donna Fraser, my mentor Cassie Douglas who trained me every Friday at MHF and all
the girls at the salon who helped me,” Emily said.
“I am very grateful.”
“Emily was a success story from day one with a personality, attitude and intelligence to take the industry on and master her skills in impressive time,” owner of MHR, Mat Evans, said.
“Her understanding of colour, theory, styling and obvious passion were evident straight away, but also her attention to detail, charisma and people skills make her
a winner.”
Mat’s Hair Factory is now in its 10th year of operation with 10 staff members including a new apprentice learning the trade.
“It is an amazing business, everyone gets along, the staff are hardworking and focussed, we are like a little family, and the clients enjoy this atmosphere,” Mat said.
Emily completed TAFE in November last year and has been a fully qualified hairdresser since March 2025.
“I am happy doing what I’m doing and want to keep evolving in the industry through training and workshops, particularly in colour,” Emily said.
Also recognised on the night was SEAMEC maritime teacher, Brad Lancaster, who was awarded the Teacher/Trainer of the Year.
Other East Gippsland winners include:
Koorie Student of the Year: Sione Tuiono, Bairnsdale, employed by Yoowinna Wurnalong Aboriginal Healing Service
Vocational Student of the Year Awards – Horticulture and Agriculture: Leanne Farley (East Bairnsdale); Community Services: Zhanna Voronkova (Bairnsdale); Senior Secondary: Lexi Markwell-O’Neill (Paynesville).
Apprentice of the Year Awards – Animal Sciences: Jack Wyllie (Lucknow); Engineering – Fabrication Trade: Reuben Pinkerton (Marlo), employed by Kennedys Trailers Bairnsdale.
