‘I waited 58 years to become an apprentice!’
This grandma is realising her dream of becoming a hairdresser
At the distinguished age of 73, Jill Nock is living proof it’s never too late to go after what you want in life after becoming one of the oldest, if not the oldest, apprentices in the world.
“Ever since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to be a hairdresser,” she says.
“When I was 15 my mum said it was out of the question because I would be on my feet all day. It was the 1960s and I had to give up on my dreams.
“I was sent to secretarial college and I worked in offices for the next 50 years, and while I’m proud of my career achievements, I still felt I’d not accomplished everything I wanted in life.”
With husband Les, the pair have two sons, John and Shane, and daughter Elizabeth, as well as six beautiful grandkids, so you’d think Jill was ready to take it easy.
But her entire life changed earlier this year during a holiday to Bali with her friend Narelle Potter, who owns the local hair salon in Wynnum, Queensland, which Jill has patronised for years.
“One evening over a few cocktails she mentioned being understaffed, and I said I’d come and give her a hand,” Jill explains. “I started mid-march and I’m now officially in the apprenticeship program – it’s the best job I’ve ever had!”
Narelle’s Hair & Beauty is not your average hair salon. You won’t find any young hipsters with attitude, nor blaring hip-hop tunes. Instead owner Narelle plays Frank Sinatra, and prides herself on hiring more mature women like Jill to do the job.
“Jill is a breath of fresh air, and like all my ladies, she’s passionate, hardworking and goes above and beyond,” Narelle says of her star apprentice. “I’ve hired the young ones and they don’t value the importance of being on time and going the extra mile.”
For Jill, it’s all about job satisfaction. “I love learning new things, and to see the clients beaming from ear to ear looking a million dollars.” she says.
“It doesn’t get any better. My eldest granddaughter Bella just turned 14, and she’s already booked me for her school formal!”