School-based apprenticeships/traineeships (SBATs) can be a life-changing opportunity for students and salons and can provide long-term success for those who suit this education pathway. The apprenticeship avenue allows students to manage both their school studies and an apprenticeship to begin a career in hair.

This educational pathway opportunity is exemplified by Sarah Ghawi, who, as a Year 10 student in 2007, wanted to pursue hairdressing as a career but also complete her HSC. She undertook a school-based apprenticeship that is still paying dividends 15 years later. On the advice of VERTO vocational education consultant Abraham Ghossain, Sarah pursued an SBAT, which allows students to combine their HSC with an apprenticeship, where they usually spend about one day a week working and learning in their vocational field.

“I was really torn. My parents wanted me to stay in school, and I was worried I would regret it later if I left, but I wanted to start building my career, too. I didn’t know what to do,” Sarah said. “I didn’t realise there was an option that would give me the best of both worlds, and as soon as I heard about it, I jumped at the chance. It enabled me to try out hairdressing with a supportive network behind me and still experience the personal growth that happens in those last years of school.”

Today Sarah is a highly qualified, accomplished hairdresser and owner of the salon Signature Stylz Salon in Western Sydney. Her combined pursuit of school and vocational studies is something she credits immensely in her success, and she now presents to high school students to introduce and explain this pathway option.

“If I didn’t do a school-based apprenticeship, I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I want to help as many kids and parents explore this option as possible. It is the perfect solution to the student’s dilemma and resolves any tension that may arise at home if parents want their child to stay on at school,” she shared. “My apprenticeship shaped my life in the best way possible. I am so grateful to Abraham Ghossain and his colleague Rhonda Stone for their support in making it happen for me”

Abraham continues to work as part of the not-for-profit apprenticeship provider VERTO team, supporting apprentices and trainees and sharing the career opportunity with new generation of students.

“School-based apprenticeships/traineeships are a fantastic choice for young people to start their career early while still obtaining their HSC,” he said.

“It’s important to know that you don’t have to choose between an apprenticeship and completing your HSC studies – you can do both, and as Ms Ghawi has proven, it can be a life-changing experience and and the start of something incredible,” VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell added.

In this pathway, students are offered versatile opportunities and combined pathways that suit dual educational value systems. In giving students these opportunities, salons can find talent to nurture and educate into long-term success, as Sarah’s career shows, ensuring significant rewards for the hair industry all around.

For more information about VERTO’s full range of apprenticeship options, visit www.verto.org.au or phone 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786).