OUR EDUCATION COMMUNITY.

By Anthony Gray

As we reflect on the Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) Business Awards of 2024, the sentiment of unity and celebration within our industry is still fresh. The powerful emphasis on education echoed throughout the acceptance speeches of award recipients and presenters, highlighting a critical commitment to training and nurturing our apprentices and emerging stylists.

Fast forward to what 2025 holds for us in terms of finding great people to join our industry, and this call to action is more relevant than ever, as our industry continues to evolve in the face of new challenges and opportunities.

The support of numerous companies and suppliers has become a cornerstone of our community, underscoring the importance of collaboration in education. Their significant investment in sponsorships and educational platforms allows salons and individual stylists to access world-class training, fostering an environment where growth is not just encouraged but celebrated.

As an educator immersed in apprenticeship training, I’ve witnessed firsthand the imperative for cohesive educational strategies. The ongoing dialogue around enhancing the training experience for apprentices is crucial as we navigate the complexities of education delivery within our industry. The current landscape reveals a need for deeper collaboration among Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), salons, and suppliers to ensure that apprentices receive a holistic and enriching educational journey.

Bridging the Gap: The Risks of Disconnection Despite the wealth of resources available, the apprenticeship training process often resembles ships passing in the night. Salons and apprentices receive extensive training from various suppliers and independent educators, while the RTO delivers their own curriculum.

This disconnect poses two significant risks:

1. Misalignment in Education Timing: If supplier education is not synchronised with an apprentice’s development, it can lead to confusion and overwhelm. An apprentice may find themselves struggling to connect the dots, creating an anxious learning environment.

2. Frustration with Training Relevance: If the RTO training does not acknowledge or integrate the skills learned through supplier education, it can result in wasted time and frustration for both the apprentice and the salon. This misalignment can hinder the apprentice’s growth and satisfaction, ultimately affecting retention in the industry.

The good news is that these risks can be effectively mitigated through collaboration and clear communication among all stakeholders involved in an apprentice’s training. By working together, we can craft a formidable education and training program that guides apprentices toward becoming qualified, competent stylists.

The cornerstone of this collaborative effort is the development of a comprehensive in-salon training plan. This plan should encompass three essential components:

1. A Timeline for In-Salon Skills Development: This should outline the skills apprentices will learn over the duration of their apprenticeship.

2. Alignment of RTO Training with In-Salon Skills Development: Formal training delivered by the RTO must align with the practical skills apprentices are developing in the salon.

3. Integration of Expert and Supplier Education: Scheduling supplier education into the skills development timeline ensures that training complements both in-salon learning and formal RTO training.

Practical Implementation: A Case Study in Colour Education

While the theoretical framework is essential, understanding how this plays out in practice is vital. Take, for example, a salon’s in-salon skills development plan for colour education:

Timeline Skills

6 - 12 months Basic Colour and Toning 12 - 24 months Intermediate Colour 24 - 36 months Advanced Colour

Once this timeline is established, the individual skills can be aligned with the units of the Certificate III in Hairdressing. For instance, apprentices can work on units such as “Shampoo and Basin Services” and “Colour and Lighten Hair” concurrently with their in-salon colour education.

The final piece of the puzzle is to coordinate with suppliers to schedule technical training that complements the salon’s education timeline and aligns with the RTO’s curriculum. Ensuring that the technical training matches the apprentice’s current skill level is crucial for effective learning and retention.

The Impact of Alignment

When all elements align, the results can be transformative. Apprentices benefit from a structured timeline, where in-salon mentors nurture their skills in real-world settings. This practical training is reinforced by formal education from the RTO, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the craft. Furthermore, the integration of contemporary technical training boosts apprentices’ confidence and proficiency.

Ultimately, having a timeline that aligns the efforts of all parties provides a clear pathway for progress, fostering a culture of reward and recognition as skills develop. The skills honed in the salon, alongside supplier education, are acknowledged both in the salon environment and through the progression of competencies defined by the training package.

Building a Future Together

The 2024 AHIA’s serves as a vital reminder of what it takes for a community to nurture and grow the future of hairdressing. As we gather to celebrate our industry, we must carry forward a shared sense of purpose. By committing to a coordinated educational approach, we create remarkable opportunities for retaining and developing our future workforce. Together, we can ensure that education within our community is not just a responsibility but a collaborative effort that enriches every participant’s journey. By fostering strong partnerships among salons, RTOs, and suppliers, we can create an environment where future stylists are not only skilled but also confident and passionate about their craft.

Anthony Gray @mig_training