Dream job comes later in life
AGE is putting Kimmy Franses a cut above the rest.
The 29-year-old hairdressing student from Maroochydore's Queensland College of Hairdressing is just weeks away from completing her 12-month apprenticeship and entering the industry.
The next intake for the popular course is July 23.
Trends show the course is most popular with 20 to 50-year-olds, putting young students just out of school in the minority.
"Being older than other students actually worked to my advantage," Ms Franses said.
"My biggest fear was that being an older student would mean I'd fall behind, but that hasn't been the case.
"I couldn't be happier. It's my dream job."
Ms Franses followed her passion for hairdressing after years of working in hospitality.
Her love for hair cutting began when she was a child and did her sister's hair.
"I've come a long way since then, thankfully," she laughed.
At the end of her 12-month apprenticeship, Ms Franses will take a job in the on-site salon, Resque Hair and Body, to build up her client base.
She shared some advice for anyone interested in hairdressing.
"Just do it ... don't think about it.
"I spent way too many years thinking it over."
Inquiries about the July intake have been booming, according to college director Dee Murphy.
"The majority of inquiries have been from mature-age students looking for a career change," she said.
"They're trying to get themselves sorted out in their lives."
