WHAT IS THE AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL?

We speak to CEO Sandy Chong...

The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) is a member organisation whose sole purpose is for the betterment of the industry across a wide spectrum of objectives.

- We work on uplifting our industry’s reputation, image and credibility.

- We support, inform and connect our community around Australia.

- Representing our Industry to the Government and the media is one of our key drivers.

- We advocate for businesses, education and training.

WHO REPRESENTS OUR HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY?

Creating the AHC has not happened overnight! In fact, it has taken 12 years for the Australian Hairdressing Council to build an extensive network and reputation as the trusted representative for the industry. We continually survey the industry, hold Think Tanks and events to listen, consult and collaborate. We discuss the needs of small business, education and training, and all that affects our Industry.

HOW DOES THE AHC SPEAK ON BEHALF OF OUR HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY?

The AHC represents both Hairdressing and Barbering when we lobby or advocate. This includes active consultation, roundtable meetings and Industry specific submissions to the Government, their departments, regulators like the FWO and ATO, politicians and bureaucrats.

GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE!

In 2019, Home Affairs announced Hairdressing and Barbering would be taken off the Skills Migration List. The AHC has continually lobbied against this to maintain our position to be able to sponsor overseas barbers and hairdressers. This meant countless submissions and meetings with Ministers and Senators, the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Employment,

Department of Education, the Senate, the Skills Commission, roundtable meetings and even the media. We’ve invested a lot of time (and money) to protect both hairdressing and barber industries.

BUT IF I JOIN THE AHC, WHATS IN IT FOR ME?

What’s in it for you? The AHC understands the challenges that all small businesses experience. As hairdressers and barbers, we may be great at our craft, but few of us wear ALL the “hats” that we are expected to wear as the owner of a business. Employment law is confusing, yet the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) maintains you should know everything. Exploitation of staff and wage theft is on the agenda of the FWO. Renting a chair? Be sure to have a contract, otherwise the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and FWO may decide your contractor is an employee… And the fines are substantial.

I CAN’T GET STAFF. WHAT’S THE AHC DOING ABOUT THIS?

The AHC launched HeadHunter Recruitment Australia to help the hairdressing, barber and beauty industry find staff. AHC members get a $100 discount on all packages. The platform we use is AI driven to find applicants across many recruitment boards and will target your ads at candidates, wherever they may be when online.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH APPRENTICESHIPS?

Hairdressing Apprenticeship numbers are up. But concerns are why 63% of hairdressing apprentices don’t get past the first year. Why is this? Some may have chosen the wrong industry and have different expectations; however, most say it’s HOW they have been treated. Apprentices are NOT cleaners. The whole team should contribute to the cleaning of the salon, and also contribute to teaching an apprentice from day one.

Expectations must be clear for the apprentice, salon owner and the entire team. And on the subject of TEAM… everyone is responsible in supporting a new apprentice with their career of choice, helping them to become capable and confident. Apprentices are the future of your business, so it’s worth investing your time, money and energy for the future sustainability of your salon and the industry.

SO, WHAT’S A MEMBERSHIP WORTH?

What is it worth to any business owner to feel assured that they have access to unlimited HR advice, business resources, be included in a likeminded network and community to answer questions and give support, plus know there is an experienced organisation that has the interests of small business at heart when speaking to the Government? How much would it cost to engage advice outside of the AHC?

OK, BUT WHAT’S IT REALLY GOING TO COST ME?

Membership fees are tax deductable! You can pay monthly or save $$ and pay annually.

Sole traders’ fees are $416 paid annually or $39 paid monthly.

Businesses with staff pay $1029 annually or $95 monthly.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Simply via the website https://www.theahc.org.au/memberships

WHAT ELSE DO I GET?

The AHC has several member benefits and support. Our Associate Member network covers education, insurance, leasing advice, how to buy or sell your business, accountants, software, payment platforms, advertising and marketing, business coaching, salon design, suppliers, and also support on mental health, including suicide intervention and prevention, understanding domestic violence, supporting charitable community events such as Short Back and Sidewalks and Hair Aid. Our industries love to help the homeless in our community.

I WANT MORE…

Business podcasts and short videos on business tips, advice and information. An active social media community, timely informative eDMs, our annual Leadership Summit, collaborating on the best training for our industry, and so much more. And then there’s SCHMOOZFEST, the AHC’s hugely popular networking event in June - which is exactly that - schmoozing with food and drinks!

WHAT ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT THIS?

Only in NSW and SA is it mandated that a Barber or Hairdresser must have a qualification to do hair for money! How do you feel about this?

The AHC understands the existing Apprenticeship system and Training Package (what they learn at college) does not suit today’s Hairdressing and Barber Industry. Students/apprentices and even employers become demotivated by what they are expected to learn and teach, when they just want to do hair that suits their salon brand. There are some amazing, skilled hairdressers and barbers in our industry - should they have a qualification?

The AHC regularly meets with all stakeholders to collaborate and consult on what’s the best learning experience for our apprentices. The outcome is the industry wants skilled, confident, productive and capable hairdressers and barbers. So, what is the best way forward? Let’s talk together and become a part of this important conversation.

WHY HAVE A QUALIFICATION?

This is one way that every individual hairdresser and barber and business owner can uplift the industry’s reputation. The AWARD shows a pay rate for a qualified Hairdresser or Barber. We all never imagine and hope that anything will go wrong in our businesses, but consumer complaints and claims are increasing.

HOW CAN WE BETTER THE INDUSTRY?

Being a part of the AHC strengthens our representation with Government Departments that make decisions affecting our businesses, hairdressers and barbers. A fragmented industry does not help an industry voice.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

The AHC Salon Select and Barber checklist sets you apart by recognising ethical business practices. It’s recognition for you, your staff, and your clients that you proudly run a professional business. The AHC also has Green Accreditation to let your clients and community know about your passion for the environment through your business. How you can support your industry’s future and sustainability is to join the AHC. We have your interests at heart and want to see your industry respected and valued.