Raising the Bar in Barbering Education - The 4Barbers Journey

By Fraser Forsey, Founder & Owner, 4Barbers Education

Education is the foundation of progress in any industry, and in barbering, it is the catalyst that transforms passion into mastery. When I founded 4Barbers Education in early 2023, my vision was simple: to create an educational platform that empowers barbers at every stage of their career, from apprentices to industry leaders. Today, as the 2024 Australian Modern Barber Awards (AMBA) winner for Education Organisation of the Year, I am incredibly proud of what 4Barbers has achieved—and this is only the beginning.

Creating Australia’s Largest Barbering Expo

In just two years, 4Barbers has redefined the landscape of barbering education. One of our most groundbreaking achievements has been the creation of EXPO4BARBERS, the largest barbering expo ever held in Australia. Bringing together the industry’s brightest talents, leading brands, and aspiring barbers, this event has set a new benchmark for the industry, providing an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

Our commitment to elevating the profession is evident in the extensive educational programs we deliver. Whether through national tours, international guest artist sessions, apprentice Cert 3 Barbering qualifications, hands-on workshops, or lookand-learns, our goal remains the same: to provide barbers with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to excel.

A Commitment to Excellence in Education

What sets 4Barbers apart is our unwavering dedication to education that is both comprehensive and accessible. We believe in empowering barbers of all skill levels with opportunities to learn from the best in the business. Our ability to unite a diverse network of educators and artists from around the world has been a game-changer. Over the past two years, we have collaborated with over 20 educators across multiple brands, bringing unique expertise, fresh perspectives, and cutting-edge techniques to our training programs.

These collaborations have solidified 4Barbers as a worldclass educational institution, exposing Australian barbers to global trends and techniques that elevate the industry. The feedback we receive from participants speaks for itself—many credit our programs as the turning point in their careers, enabling them to refine their craft and push the boundaries of what’s possible in barbering.

A Legacy Built on Passion & Purpose

4Barbers was born from a moment of clarity during an international education tour. My fellow educator and friend, Jono Goodwin, and I were deep in discussion when he made a statement that resonated profoundly: “Everything we do is for the barbers and for the barbering industry.” That realisation became the foundation of our mission—to create a platform that serves the industry in every aspect.

Since then, 4Barbers has grown into an educational powerhouse, forging partnerships with some of the biggest brands in the industry, and salons and barbershops, the latest products, and state-of-the-art tools to barbers across the country.

But 4Barbers is more than just an education provider—it’s a movement and a community. Our dedication to certifying barbers and creating future job opportunities ensures that every individual who engages with our programs is set up for long-term success. Through hands-on workshops, national tours, and international collaborations, we are raising the standard of barbering education and shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

The Future of 4Barbers

At 4Barbers, we believe that the future of barbering lies in the hands of those willing to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. As we look ahead, our focus remains on expanding our educational reach, enhancing our training programs, and continuing to elevate the industry.

Our journey is just beginning. With continued innovation, global collaborations, and a deep commitment to barbering education, we are set to leave an indelible mark on the industry—one barber at a time.

Unparalleled Achievements & Industry Impact

Our contributions to the industry go beyond education; we are actively reshaping the barbering landscape through our initiatives:

• EXPO4BARBERS: The largest barbering event in Australia, setting a new standard for industry gatherings.

• Cert 3 Barbering Enrolment: 4BARBERS is in Partnership with THE BARBER ACADEMY - RTO #41209, training apprentices in Cert 3 across QLD & NSW.

• Job Placement: Facilitated employment for over 100 barbers, ensuring career development and industry sustainability.

• International Educator Collaboration: Conducted a national tour with international superstar Barber Josh OP, exposing Australian barbers to global techniques.

• World-Class Education Teams: Established Australia’s first BaBylissPRO & JRL Education Teams, delivering over 40 shows with thousands of attendees.

• International Recognition: Represented Australia on a global stage, presenting at the two largest barber expos in the USA.

• Barber Shop Ownership: 15 barbershops with over 60 staff, providing real-world experience for students and professionals alike.

• Wholesale Opportunity: Along with our education partners 4Barbers will be launching their own Wholesale Website in 2025, which will give barbers access to the best deals for all supplies.

• 4BARBERS Partner with DATELINE Imports: Education In 2025 For BaBylissPRO, StyleCraft and Silver Bullet.

• 4BARBERS partners With Josh O.P Bringing The D.F.S Formula to Australia.

• Sam Squires: Educator for StyleCraft /Silver Bullet

Overcoming Challenges & Breaking Barriers

Building 4Barbers was not without its challenges. Convincing the industry’s biggest brands and stakeholders that a barber-led education team could redefine the sector was a monumental task.

But challenges create opportunities, and with an exceptional team, relentless dedication, and an unwavering passion for barbering, we have carved out our place at the forefront of education. Today, we stand as a testament to what can be achieved with vision, determination, and a commitment to excellence.

The best is yet to come.

Fraser Forsey

Founder & Owner - 4Barbers Education

@4barbersau