Training and education
Husso Cetin
The truth behind education As our industry is becoming more and more popular, it’s vital that our educators are teaching students appropriately and the training given meets the requirements for the modern barbershop. We speak to some of the most well-respected educators in the industry to see what they think of the education requirements and if the system is benefiting start-up barbers.
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s more eager students look to join our booming industry, it’s paramount that the .education available is suitable and creative to fulfil the conditions of the current barbershop. Many industry experts have come forward to help
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boost the industry standards and are working on their own courses to guarantee the barbering trade is one of the best. Becoming an educator takes time, hard work and tons of knowledge. It can be difficult to develop your career
in the trade, especially because ours is constantly changing. OSMO Brand Ambassador Tom Baxter offers some advice on how to cater to your staffs’/ employees’ needs to guarantee a proper education is received: “The single biggest consideration
Training and education
James Kirton
when educating is tailoring it specifically to the shop, as this is key to them gaining value for money and improving the service they give. I always make sure I plan my classes to exactly what they feel they need to brush up on as the industry has so many avenues and it’s impossible to cover everything in one day. “With my education classes, I try to simplify the job the best that I can, so it’s easier for my staff to understand and encourage artists to be themselves but give them a foundation to build off so they can correctly form a shape, but in a way that they feel suits their style as a creator. I don’t turn people into robots, I just pass on ways to make their work cleaner, smoother, choppier or more textured, depending on the request.” Wahl’s Global Artistic Director Simon Shaw adds: When I see my students copy and repeat what I do and then see a smile on their face, that inspires me.
Tom Baxter
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Training and education
Giovanni De Lellis
Their learning makes me feel amazing and proud. Educators are the captain of the students’ souls.” Being able to understand the proper barbering skills on an extreme level is vital before deciding to open your barbershop and teach others. You need to be fully aware of all aspects of barbering before you jump the gun and possibly affect other peoples’ careers. Jake Hillery, Director of The Quarters Barbering Academy, tells us: “Education is the most important aspect of the industry. You are learning more and more daily. Even though I’m an educator myself, we always invite experts to cut with our staff to constantly keep them up-to-date.” BBA Founder Mike Taylor educates through the Great British Barbering Academy. Being an expert in education, he tells us his main concerns: “I think the quality of teaching in this country is our biggest problem. As we know, there is no license to become a barber, but what is even worse is that anyone can set up a training school. I think this
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is criminal and I don’t know how the awarding bodies allow this to happen. “Training and education are everything, we never stop learning. The biggest problem with our industry is education is taken too lightly. People should see it as compulsory.” With a huge growth of interest in the trade, more and more people are wanting to open their own barbershop, but when is the right time for a newly qualified barber to open their own establishment? Educator Giovanni De Lellis tells us: “Too many providers are handing out qualifications too easily and many students are leaving college or training organisations not being ready at all. For this reason, I think students should work within the industry for at least three years before opening their establishment to gain the full experience needed surrounding how the industry operates.” It’s always encouraging to see the sheer number of barbers who want to be at the top of their game, but what
determines the success of up-andcoming barbers? Educator Husso Cetin says: “It’s all about how much you can inspire. If you enjoy teaching, you can guarantee your students will enjoy learning from you. We are not only educators, we are role models.” Mike Taylor adds: “We change lives and we shape lives. Teachers do determine a career, but there needs to be checks in place to make sure the teacher is current and has the knowledge and experience to teach. “I still currently attend training. When you think you have learnt everything, hang them scissors up.” As an industry, barbering is continually evolving in terms of training and education. This is what makes it so exciting. Professional barbers with years of experience are still striving to perfect their craft, learning new techniques and embracing modern innovations. So, whether you’re newly qualified or have your own established barbershop, education should never be overlooked.