Transforming Hairdressing Training

Proposals for Training Package Reform by the Australian Hairdressing Council!

By Anthony Gray

On January 29th, the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) convened a workshop dedicated to finalising its stance on the reform of qualifications within the Hairdressing training package.

As a leading authority in the field, the AHC is spearheading efforts to modernise training methodologies and enhance the quality of education for aspiring hairdressers. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the proposed changes to the training package advocated by the AHC.

Identifying Challenges in the Current Training Package

After nine years of extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, the AHC has identified several critical challenges within the current training package. These challenges include:

1. Lack of Flexibility: The existing units of competency are overly prescriptive and lack the flexibility to adapt to evolving industry trends and practices.

2. Assessment-Centric Approach: The focus on assessment outcomes often overshadows the importance of practical training and skill development, leading to a disconnect between training and real-world application.

3. Complexity: The current training package is burdened by complexity, with a high volume of assessments and stringent requirements that can be daunting for both trainers and apprentices alike.

As an industry, Hairdressing is not alone in its thinking around qualification reform. The Australian government as part of the National Qualification reform project found:

Proposed Changes to the Training Package

In response to these challenges, the AHC proposes a series of comprehensive changes aimed at transforming the training package into a more dynamic, relevant, and learner-centric framework. These changes include:

1. Transitioning to Vet Reform Skills Standards: The AHC advocates for the transition of current narrow units of competency into broader Skills Standards. This would lift the narrow taskbased focus of our units of competency up to a broader skills and job function level which in more in line with what happens in the salon.

2. Regrouping Skills Standards: To better reflect the commercial realities of the hairdressing industry, the AHC proposes regrouping skills standards into a more commercially oriented format. This restructuring will enable trainees to acquire skills that are directly applicable to their future careers and adapt to changing market demands.

3. Unit Amendments: The AHC recommends amendments to existing units of competency to enhance flexibility and accessibility. By streamlining and simplifying unit requirements, the training package can better accommodate the diverse learning needs and preferences of apprentices.

4. Refocusing Training Delivery: Rather than prioritising assessment outcomes, the AHC advocates for a refocus on practical training delivery. This entails placing greater emphasis on hands-on experience and skill development, ensuring that apprentices are equipped with the competencies needed to excel in their profession.

What do these proposed changes looks like in reality?

In reimagining the hairdressing training package, the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) places paramount importance on inclusivity, gender neutrality, and accessibility. Recognizing the diverse needs and backgrounds of aspiring hairdressers, the AHC’s proposal integrates these values into every aspect of the reform. Here’s a closer look at how the proposal addresses these crucial considerations:

Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Approach

Ensuring gender neutrality and inclusivity is central to the AHC’s vision for the revamped training package. By eliminating gender-specific language and imagery, the AHC aims to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students. Whether male, female, or non-binary, every aspiring hairdresser deserves equal opportunities and recognition within the industry.

Accessibility for Remote Students

Accessibility is another key pillar of the AHC’s proposal. Recognising the challenges faced by students in remote areas, the AHC is committed to making hairdressing education more accessible through innovative delivery methods and technology-enabled learning solutions. By leveraging online platforms and virtual resources, students in remote areas can access high-quality education and training without geographical limitations.

Combining Units into Specialist Categories

Outside of those soft skills that span all sectors the AHC’s proposal involves regrouping the current 28 units of competency into nine Specialist Categories, each designed to encompass a comprehensive range of skills and techniques. These categories include:

• Shampoo or Basin Services

• Cutting

• Styling

• Colour

• Texture

By organising units under these broader headings, the training package becomes more streamlined and intuitive, allowing for a more cohesive learning experience. Moreover, the integration of FOUNDATION (individual skills) and COMMERCIAL (combination skills) segments ensures that apprentices develop both fundamental competencies and advanced techniques.

Flexible Practical Assessments

Recognising the limitations of the current assessment process, the AHC advocates for the development of flexible practical assessments. These assessments can be completed in-salon or at an RTO, using mannequins or models as needed.

By providing multiple assessment options, apprentices have the flexibility to demonstrate their skills in diverse settings, without being restricted to one-at-a-time completion. Additionally, the introduction of a Skills Passport enables apprentices to track their progress and achievements throughout their training journey, fostering accountability and motivation.

Refocusing on Training Delivery

In shifting the focus from assessment to training delivery, the AHC emphasises the role of RTOs in providing comprehensive and nationally recognised training.

By prioritising practical skill development over assessment outcomes, RTOs can better equip apprentices with the competencies they need to succeed in the industry. This shift in focus ensures that apprentices receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the realities of the hairdressing profession.

In conclusion, the AHC’s proposal for hairdressing training reform embodies the principles of inclusivity, gender neutrality, and accessibility.

By regrouping units, integrating skillsets, developing flexible assessments, and refocusing on training delivery, the AHC aims to create a training package that meets the diverse needs of aspiring hairdressers across Australia. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence, the future of hairdressing education looks brighter and more inclusive than ever before.