TAFE NSW is celebrating men’s hair and progressing education in this sector, especially with World Barber Day on September 16 putting this sphere in the spotlight.
The education institute is putting the focus on these skills as a consumer requirement for them continues to grow, with Australian men spending $7 billion on grooming products every year. TAFE NSW offers a wide range of training pathways, from short courses in specific barbering techniques, to apprenticeships, and salon management.
“Barbering is a great career because not only is the job hands-on and social, qualified barbers are in high demand,” said TAFE NSW Barbering Teacher, Gaby Ware. “There is so much more to barbering than cutting hair. From holding clippers correctly to hygiene standards, being qualified is what keeps the industry reputable and safe. We’ve come a long way from traditional straight or taper cuts. New tools of the trade and changing customer needs have shaped a growing skills demand in the latest equipment and techniques.”
The institute is also seeing established barbershop owners pursue further training and education to grow their business and diversify in providing beauty, massage, and responsible service of alcohol services. Anthony Sthal, a barber and the co-owner Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, which has three locations at Parramatta, Macquarie Centre and Warringah Mall, personifies this model. He is completing a Certificate III in Barbering at TAFE NSW so that he has the skills to mentor, train, and develop the employees coming through his barbershops.
“Barbering is something I’ve always been interested in, and I’ve always done a lot of training for the last 20 years in my past professional capacities,” Anthony said. “When we bought the first shop in Parramatta I observed there are a lot of young people out there who are passionate about barbering and love the idea, so I wanted to upskill so I could educate them properly. I encourage all of my barbers to enrol at TAFE NSW because the course exposes you to the creative elements of the craft, and can be very helpful for self-taught barbers to enhance their skills. The courses are in depth and not only teach you practical skills, but also knowledge of how to work with different hair types and the skin.”
TAFE NSW emboldens the craft of hairdressing with subsidised opportunities for those pursuing education in this field. As an example, the nationally accredited Certificate III in Barbering is a fully government-subsidised JobTrainer course for those who meet eligibility criteria.
On this World Barber Day let’s continue to innovate the men’s hair sector with essential education and growth. Happy World Barber Day to all!
For more information visit NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601
Catch up with INSTYLE and Styleicons!
- Subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine
- Check out www.styleicons.com.au
- Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter
- View our digital magazine
- Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn