IAN YUEN - BARBER APPRENTICE

AT JIMMY RODS.

By Guest Editor Gareth Philpott

Barbering Apprenticeships are a vital route to becoming a barber as they require dedication and hard work to both learn a trade and discover your creative ability.

Many in the trade don’t think about the other side of barbering education and what do our apprentices really think of this industry? We need to be very aware that apprentices are the ones who will continue to push the boundaries and keep this industry moving in the right direction.

Ian Yuen, Barber Apprentice at Jimmy Rods has been working with The Barber Academy as part of his apprenticeship, learning valuable skills of the trade in the modern Academy learning facilities and live barbershop.

A chat with Ian Yuen…

Ian what inspired you to pursue a career in barbering, and how has your experience at the academy and your shop shaped your journey so far?

The relationships with people, atmospheres in barber shops, and the art was what drew me to barbering from the start. Going into the Barber Academy has definitely helped me improve my craft heaps, l am learning a bunch of new things along the way.

Can you share a bit about your daily routine as a barber apprentice? What are some of the key skills and techniques you’re learning?

My daily routine as a barber apprentice is the same as a normal barber in a shop. Being a good worker is just as important, making sure the workplace is tidy, the daily tasks in a barber shop and listening to the seniors is the crucial part. Whether I learnt new techniques and skills in hair cutting or understanding the principles in a barbershop are all from paying attention to my mentors.

How do you balance hands-on training in the academy with theoretical learning? What aspects of your education do you find most beneficial for your development as a barber?

I believe that theoretical learning is necessary, it allows you to understand the basics of the certain topic before jumping straight into practical training. Although physical training is what helps me and allows me to improve the most, I still try to balance theory work with it to understand more to avoid messing things up.

What role do mentors and instructors play in your learning process at the academy and your shop? Can you share any memorable lessons or advice they’ve imparted to you?

My mentors at the academy had been nothing but wonderful in explaining things to me, teaching me techniques, new skills, everyone’s always had good attitude in the academy. My mentors at my shop are also great, everyone I’ve met so far in my career has been amazing. One bit of advice I would never forget is to always consult your clients up to satisfaction and understanding.

As a barber apprentice, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you overcome them with the support of your peers and instructors?

The challenges I had was when I first start at new shops, not understanding how things normally operate, or not knowing how to work the computer/ booking systems. I think it’s important to know that no questions are dumb questions. Always ask your peers or mentors something you don’t understand.

Jimmy Rods is known for educating their apprentices with weekly training sessions. Can you tell us about any unique or cutting-edge techniques you’ve learned during your time there?

During my time at Jimmy Rods, I have visited the academy from time to time for extra training. Such as use of a feather razor and completing my bleaching unit.

How does The Barber Academy prepare you for real-world scenarios and client interactions? Can you share any experiences that have helped you grow as a professional barber?

The Barber academy has covered everything an individual needs to know before starting at an actual barber shop. Such as cutting hair of course, the retail side, how to communicate with clients, etc. I had no problems or fear of entering a barber shop after going to the academy, it has definitely boosted my confidence and helped me with communication with other barbers and clients.

In your opinion, what qualities make a successful barber, and how do you strive to embody these qualities in your training and future career?

To me, a perfect/successful barber isn’t all just about how much you make, but it is also the relationship side of things. Your clients, how you’re able to be “the barber” for each person, being able to create a relationship not only as a barber but a friend to your clients, perfecting the craft and understanding everything you need to do to cut all hairstyles, and having a good reputation and name.

How do you stay inspired and motivated in such a fastpaced and creative industry? Are there any barbers or stylists who inspire you?

Social media has always been the key to learning new trends in this industry especially the past couple of years. Everything you need and want to learn are on the internet, new styles, new track designs, are all available to the public, the internet is the biggest reference when you want to see what the new trends are.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as you continue your journey at The Barber Academy and Jimmy Rods? How do you envision your future in the world of barbering?

My goal is to one day have my own shop, or at least my own business. Whether it’s partnering up with someone or doing it alone, I will always be grateful for all the help I got and everyone who helped me at the barber academy and at Jimmy Rods.

I will always strive for improvements; it is a never-ending industry when you’re passionate about it. There should always be room for improvement, and that is my goal to stay consistent with this mentality by any means necessary, and good things will come along automatically.

@jimmyrods

@thebarberacademyaus