How to Get a Hairdressing Apprenticeship

How to Get a Hairdressing Apprenticeship

Ever dreamt of turning heads with your hairstyling skills? Imagine the satisfaction of transforming someone's look and boosting their confidence with a killer haircut or a stunning color job. 

Now, you might be wondering, "How do I actually become a hairdresser in Australia?" Don't worry, the process might seem a bit complicated at first, but this guide is here to be your roadmap to success! We'll walk you through everything you need to know about securing a hairdressing apprenticeship, the key to launching your dream career as a hairdresser.

This might sound surprising, but there's no minimum age to start your apprenticeship journey. So, if you've ever felt a tug towards the world of hairdressing, it's never too late to make it happen!

Based on the latest data from the Australian Government's Labour Market Insights, the hairdressing industry is a thriving one with over 69,100 professionals currently shaping trends and transforming lives across the country. Labour Market Insights

Your Apprenticeship Journey

Hairdressing in Australia is a vibrant and dynamic career path that lets you unleash your creativity and connect with people on a whole new level. But how do you turn that passion into a profession? Let's break down the steps to becoming a licensed hairdresser through an apprenticeship, the most popular pathway in Australia.

Step 1: Find Your Dream Salon

This might be the most crucial step. Here are two ways to land your dream apprenticeship:

• Target Your Favorite Salon:  Do you have a salon whose work you absolutely adore? Take a leap and walk right in or call them up! Explain your passion for hairdressing and why you specifically want to learn from their talented team. Highlight any relevant skills or experience or even a Certificate III in Hairdressing, if you have one.

Step 2: Level Up Your Skills with a Hairdressing Qualification

While some salons might offer "learn-as-you-go" apprenticeships, the most common route involves formal training. The industry standard is the Certificate III in Hairdressing. Makeup School Sydney offers this nationally recognized qualification alongside your salon apprenticeship. It covers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to excel as a hairdresser, like hair cutting, coloring, styling, and client communication.

Step 3: Become a "Junior Stylist" Superstar!

After you've completed your apprenticeship and earned your Certificate III – you're officially a qualified hairdresser. Now comes the exciting part – putting your skills to the test in a salon. Most salons will start you as a "Junior Stylist," where you'll gain valuable hands-on experience under the guidance of senior stylists. You'll be assisting clients, mastering new techniques, and gradually building your own clientele.

Remember, your learning journey doesn't stop here! The world of hairdressing is constantly evolving, so consider taking advanced qualifications like the Certificate IV in Hairdressing to stay ahead.

The future looks bright for aspiring hairdressers, with projected growth of 9.6% faster than the national average! This translates to exciting opportunities in the years to come. Hairdressers | Labour Market Insights 

Level Up Your Skills: Hairdressing Qualifications Explained

Before you whip out the scissors and unleash your creativity, let's talk qualifications. The good news is, you don't need a million years of schooling to get started.

The Essential Qualification

To become a fully qualified hairdresser in Australia, you'll need to have a Certificate III in Hairdressing. This nationally recognized qualification is your golden ticket to working in salons and putting your magic touch to work. It covers all the theory behind hairdressing and the practical skills you'll use every day, like cutting, coloring, styling, and providing top-notch customer service.

Minimum Requirements 

The beauty of hairdressing apprenticeships? They're accessible! In Australia, there are minimal requirements to get your dream position. All you need is to be 16 years or older and have completed Year 10. Don't worry if you haven't finished Year 10 yet – you can still pursue your hairdressing dreams!

While the Certificate III is the key to becoming a qualified hairdresser, there are advanced qualifications like the Certificate IV in Hairdressing available for those who want to specialize or climb the career ladder.

The industry itself boasts a diverse workforce, with 85% of hairdressers being female. However, there's a growing trend of men entering the profession, making it a more inclusive field. Hairdressers | Labour Market Insights

First Year Hairdressing Apprentice

What can you expect in that first year? 

Here's what your first year as a hairdressing apprentice might look like:

• Learning from the Best: You'll be guided by both the professionals running your course and the talented stylists in the salon. 

• Mastering the Fundamentals: You'll tackle a variety of modules that blend theory with practical skills. Think learning the science of hair, mastering essential techniques, and getting comfortable with all the cool salon tools.

• Putting Your Skills to the Test: This is where it gets exciting! You'll be right there on the salon floor, assisting with everyday tasks and gradually building your practical skills. Expect to help keep the salon running smoothly, greet clients, and start assisting stylists with basic services.

• Growing as a Hairdresser: As you gain confidence and complete assessments, you'll be given more responsibility.

Exploring the Passion and Precision of Hairdressing in Australia

Here's the thing: hairdressing isn't just confined to salons. You might find yourself working in retail settings, health and social care, or even education. But the most common path for hairdressers in Australia is within the beauty industry, either working in a salon or as a mobile hairdresser, bringing your skills directly to clients.

Now, let's talk skills! Hairdressing is a perfect blend of technical expertise and interpersonal magic. On the technical side, you'll master the art of shampooing, cutting, styling, think everything from special occasion updos to trendy dreadlocks, coloring, toning, and keeping everything clean and sanitized. You'll even learn about hair health and how to give expert advice to clients.

But here's the secret weapon of successful hairdressers: their "soft skills." Remember that time you poured your heart out to your hairdresser? Yeah, they're not just magicians with scissors; they're also amazing listeners! Hairdressing is a social job, and fantastic customer service is key. You'll need to actively listen to clients, understand their needs, offer professional advice, and manage criticism constructively.

The average age of hairdressers is 34 years old, showcasing a healthy mix of experience and youthful energy within the industry. Hairdressers | Labour Market Insights

Exploring Career Options in Hairdressing

The world of hairdressing extends far beyond the salon chair, offering a range of careers to explore. Here's a glimpse into the diverse roles awaiting you:

• Salon Owner/Manager: Take charge of your destiny by owning or managing a salon. 

• Product Consultant: Educate clients on product usage, conduct quality assessments, and demonstrate the latest innovations in haircare.

• Colouring Specialist: From creating surprising transformations to rectifying colours, this role helps you to master dyes, pigments, and toners.

• Salon Assistant: Support the seamless functioning of a salon as an assistant. Whether it's helping stylists or managing bookings, this role ensures the smooth transactions of salon operations.

• Educator/Trainer: Share your expertise by becoming an educator or trainer in the hairdressing industry. Guide aspiring stylists, imparting knowledge on techniques, trends, and salon practices.

• Freelance Stylist: Embark on a flexible career path as a freelance stylist. From helping individual clients to collaborating with fashion shows and events, this role offers autonomy and creative freedom.

Financially, hairdressing offers a stable career path. The average weekly earnings for hairdressers in Australia is $1,038, which equates to a comfortable income for many. Work-life balance can also be achievable, with 42% of hairdressers working full-time hours. Hairdressers | Labour Market Insights

Why Choose RPL at Makeup School Sydney?

Makeup School Sydney is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with extensive experience. Here’s why applying for RPL will benefit you:

Tailored Assessment: Our assessors work closely with you to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of your skills and knowledge.

Time and Cost Savings: RPL offers a faster and more cost-effective pathway to gaining formal qualifications, allowing you to focus on advancing your career.

Flexible Learning: By recognising your prior learning, we provide flexibility in your learning journey, accommodating your individual circumstances and pace.

Take the next step in your hairdressing career with Recognition of Prior Learning at Makeup School Sydney.

Don't let this passion wait any longer. 

Your future as a Skilled Hairdresser in Australia Awaits!