One year on from its inception, TAFE NSW and the Australian Hairdressing Council have done their part in upskilling the men’s hair industry and seamlessly uniting barbering with hairdressing thanks to Project Barber.
Speaking to industry requirements that see both the hairdressing and barber industry contribute more than $3 billion in hairdressing services to the Australian economy per year, according to the AHC, the organisation teamed up with TAFE last year to launch this education initiative, with strong results. The initiative focuses on men’s grooming needs as merged with traditional hairdressing to bridge the skills gap.
With Project Barber, hair professionals who already hold the Certificate III in Hairdressing were given the opportunity to gain a Certificate III Barbering in a ten-week course. The training was conducted face to face across 16 metropolitan and regional TAFE NSW campuses for one day a week during this time, catering to up to 15 students per class.
Students gained additional online resources, as well as entering into an online community of like-minded professionals that serves to further diversify and foster collaboration in the industry. Entrants also gained support and contact with the AHC directly and recruitment and employment help after the course. The exclusive program is fee-free and fully funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments, for eligible participants.
“We are immensely proud of our collaboration with TAFE NSW, which plays a crucial role in equipping hair professionals with the skills they need to excel in their craft. Programs like Project Barber not only enhanced technical abilities and career opportunities but also delivered tremendous value both professionally and personally,” shared Melissa Kalan, CEO of the Australian Hairdressing Council.
Students who have undertaken the course have raved about the course’s capacity to elevate and broaden their skill set.
“I’ve worked in a hair salon for a while now but always felt nervous cutting anything shorter than a bob. I wasn’t confident doing shorter haircuts involving clipper work, fades and precise blending, because it’s a completely different approach,” said Surry Hills stylist Chris Cheng, who completed the 10-week course at TAFE NSW. “The training I did with TAFE NSW during Project Barber made me fall in love with the craft. The hands-on learning really resonated with me and gave me the confidence to put my skills into practice. I’m excited to start taking on more male clients.”
“Delivering Project Barber demonstrates how our training reflects the needs of industry and skills our students to cater for a more diverse clientele,” added TAFE NSW Hairdressing Teacher, Trish Habon. “It’s an important path to upskilling our existing hairdressing workforce so the industry can continue to thrive.”
For more information visit www.theahc.org.au/project-barber
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