WAHL has established an education and artistic team as well as an important education agenda, making men’s hair services, barbering skills and this growing industry overall their primary focus.
A new era of WAHL education is upon us and their dynamic artistic team (Wahl Education and Artistic Team, or W.E.A.T.) is the hero of this future phase. The team was recruited in a 12 month scouting process that took place from 2016 and have now been on board for training programs, national events and the recent launch of the WAHL Academy Australia. The group have presented all over the country, most recently on the dedicated Men’s Stage at Hair Expo 2018.
“I’ve had the privilege of working and training with The Wahl Education & Artistic Team, Australia twice in the past year and am so excited and pleased with the talent, dedication and professionalism displayed by these members,” said Laura Vandermoere, Global Director of Education, Wahl Clipper Corporation. “Each one is forward thinking and brings a unique and gifted approach to clipper cutting. They all possess the passion to pay it forward. Attend a class with them and I guarantee something new will be taught. Wahl Australia is on fire and I expect huge success and growth from them in the near future!”
The talented team is made up of award-winning hairdresser and barber Ben Kane, who won the American Crew All Star Challenge in Australia in 2017 and has been widely published across national titles, as well as Lance Liufau who has over 13 years of experience as a barber that has seen his talents range from editorial work to education, and Jake Putan, who has a number of men’s hair awards to his name, as well as magazine and film credits, and work in TV production, creating looks for channels such as Fox Sports. Max Laban, who in his 12 year career has become renowned for his cuts and fades in his award-winning hair creations and runway and TV credits, rounds out the team.
“The best thing about being on the team is the members, not only the five of us on the actual team, but the whole company and everyone that’s involved, it’s a real family network and everyone looks after each other,” Jake said. “I believe training is so essential now more than ever because the industry is changing very rapidly, and it will become quite easy to fall behind without the necessary training. It also keeps you inspired and motivated to enjoy what we do every day.”
“Being able to work alongside amazing barbers, who are not only talented but are dedicated to helping others within our industry, makes being a part of the team extra special,” Max agreed. “The knowledge, skills, the vision and attitude shared amongst our team will ensure the academy will be at the highest point of education. I love the fact that everything is so organised, well planned out, the communication is on point, the ongoing discussions with WAHL are vital and I can honestly say being part of the team has opened up more opportunities.”
WAHL’s important industry influence expands beyond education, with the brand contributing to the significant Hair Aid initiative. The initiative educates people in poverty in Manila, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand, teaching them important hair skills that can transform their lives and offer them a livelihood. Wahl supports Hair Aid by supplying hair clippers and tools for use in their training sessions, while also doing the same for the Cut and Shine (CAS) Program at The Youth Junction Inc., a not-for-profit organisation that teaches disadvantaged youths barbering and the fundamentals of business, centred in Melbourne’s west.
WAHL has an eye on the future of barbering, increasing the promise of the industry as a whole by making education, constant growth and philanthropy top of their priority. Professionalism is also key, as classes are booked exclusively through WAHL wholesalers, so start calling and use this platform to enhance your skills as a barber as the industry continues to take off.
For more information visit www.wahlglobal.com/australia/index.html
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