Finding the right Institute

The internet is awash with institutes offering Hairdressing courses in one form or another, it can be overwhelming to wade all the different schools and how do you really know who is reputable and who isn’t. To give you somewhere to start we have put together a list of some of the more popular organisations that offer Hairdressing courses in Australia.

New South Wales
Tafe Sydney
Tafe – South Western Sydney
Tafe – Hunter Institute
Tafe – Northern Institute
AH&B College

Canberra
Canberra Institute of Technology

Victoria
Melbourne Polytechnic
The Gordon
Victoria University

Queensland
Tafe Queensland
Brisbane School of Beauty
Imagine Education

Western Australia
Polytechnic West
WA Academy
Taylor Weir

South Australia
Tafe South Australia
Colour Cosmetica
Clip Joint Education

Tasmania
Tafe Tasmania

Online
International Career Institute
The Hair Academy

Another great source to investigate  options in your area is Hot Courses They have a great filter so you can drill down by city and you can even read reviews of most of the institutes.

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Cert II in Hairdressing

Certificate II in hairdressing is designed as a pre-vocational qualification to provide the basic skills to becoming a salon assistant for people who have the necessary skills to interact and engage in the workforce with colleagues and clients alike. This course will provide you with an overall representation of the role of a hairdresser as well as some real-world aptitudes in hairdressing.

Certificate II can act as a pathway to gaining an apprenticeship to Certificate III in Hairdressing, although cert II is beneficial to some it is not a necessity for everyone. Completing a pre-apprenticeship can show that you’re a dedicated individual and that you are serious about pursuing your career as a hairdresser.

During the course you will participate in workshops and work on mannequins and clients alike as well as participate in written work and group discussions. You will be trained in practical skills such as writing your resume, preparing for an interview and enhancing your communication skills as well as practical tasks such as:

  • Applying Shampoo and treatments.
  • Blow drying.
  • Styling.
  • Applying colour.
  • Braiding.
  • Massage.

The duration of this course varies for different institutes but generally can be completed in three months and you may also be able to apply have some of these units credited towards your certificate III Apprenticeship.

Certificate II is known as a Traineeship or Pre-Apprenticeship.

Click here to read about cert III in hairdressing via an Australian apprenticeship.
Click here to read about cert III in hairdressing via full time study.
Click here to read about cert IV in hairdressing.

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Cert III in Hairdressing Full Time Study

Certificate III in hairdressing full time study is as the name suggests, it allows the student to study hairdressing full time (or part time) at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as Tafe which is a public institution or a private establishment. On completion of this course the student with be recognised with a national trade qualification for hairdressing.

The student enrols at an RTO of their choosing and will usually participate in three to five days of training per week depending on whether you choose to study part time or full time. Depending on the institute you choose your Certificate III in hairdressing full time study can be completed in one year. Students who choose to study this course on a part time basis will take longer than a year. Also there are no prerequisites for entry into this type of course.

Many people choose to study for their cert III full time as an apprenticeship is simply too long a commitment, the full time study option is popular with mature aged student as it enables them to become fully qualified in a far shorter time period.

Studying full time is a big commitment and it’s important to find the right institute for you. Start by researching online and asking around any industry insiders. It also is as good idea to visit potential campuses to get a true feel for the school. We have compiled a list of the more popular institutes to help you get started.

Full time students may also be eligible for financial aid during the course of their study. Please click here to read more about what payments you may be entitled to.

Click here to read about cert II in hairdressing.
Click here to read about cert III in hairdressing via an Australian apprenticeship.
Click here to read about cert IV in hairdressing.

Hairdresser training requirements can vary from state to state so please select your state below to get specialist information on your state.
Australian Capital Territory – (02) 6205 8555
New South Wales – 13 28 11
Northern Territory – (08) 8901 1357
Queensland – 1800 210 210
South Australia – 1800 673 097
Tasmania – 1800 655 846
Victoria – (03) 9651 9999
Western Australian – 13 19 54

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Cert IV in Hairdressing

Certificate IV in hairdressing is designed to build on the previously obtained skills of Certificate III in Hairdressing. Occupational expertise in the hairdressing industry is a prerequisite for this course.

It is intended to build on your pre-existing technical skills and knowledge and develop into mastering of niche styles on the form of complex colouring and innovative cutting as well as an increased knowledge of practical training, leadership skills and providing support to colleagues. This course is a necessity for anyone who would like to refine their skills and who wants to progress in their career as a hairdresser and move onto other avenues in the hairdressing industry while building a dynamic portfolio along the way.

Certificate IV can be studied at various institutes within Australia so it is advisable to do your research before picking an establishment. Ensure that you choose a reputable institute and be sure to compare what is provided and the course prices as these can greatly vary.

Click here to read about cert II in hairdressing.
Click here to read about cert III in hairdressing via an Australian apprenticeship.
Click here to read about cert III in hairdressing via full time study.

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Cert III in Hairdressing Apprenticeship

Certificate III is the minimum qualification level required for practitioners of hairdressing in Australia and is best suited for people who prefer on the job learning, who are keen to develop a solid relationship with a salon and who can commit to long term training in return for government funding. This apprenticeship normally takes three to four years to complete.

You will have to pursue employment in a salon who are willing to hire and register you as their apprentice. Your new employer will nominate a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

No formal educational entry requirements are required for this course, however school students must have completed Year ten of high school. You could possibly improve your chances of gaining this apprenticeship if you have already completed certificate II, you may also qualify for an advanced standing for some of these completed units.

As you journey from apprentice to junior stylist you will be required to support the salon and the other staff with services that can include:

  • Applying Shampoo and treatments.
  • Simple haircuts.
  • Applying colour.
  • Foiling.
  • Perming hair.
  • Styling.
  • Blow drying.
  • Welcoming clients
  • Taking bookings.
  • Selling products.
  • Building a clientele.

You will also be a representative of your salon and their brand so you will be required to maintain a professional image and attitude both on and off the job.

Once you have completed this course and the on site training you will then be qualified as a hairdresser, depending on your career aspirations you could contemplate doing other post-trade courses that include a cert iv hairdressing in Hairdressing or a Diploma of Salon Management.

Click here to read about cert II in hairdressing.
Click here to read about cert III in hairdressing via full time study.
Click here to read about cert IV in hairdressing.

Hairdresser training requirements can vary from state to state so please select your state below to get specialist information on your state.
Australian Capital Territory – (02) 6205 8555
New South Wales – 13 28 11
Northern Territory – (08) 8901 1357
Queensland – 1800 210 210
South Australia – 1800 673 097
Tasmania – 1800 655 846
Victoria – (03) 9651 9999
Western Australian – 13 19 54

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