INFEATURE: APPRENTICE INITIATIVE

APPRENTICE INITIATIVE

BOX HILL INSTITUTE AND JOBS VICTORIA HAVE PARTNERED ON A VICTORIAN APPRENTICESHIP INITIATIVE THAT TRULY CARES FOR PARTICIPANTS AND PRESENTS THE FUTURE OF SOLUTIONS TO EMPLOYEE SHORTAGES.

Box Hill Institute and Jobs Victoria have joined forces in an opportunity that will provide incomparable support for students and employers partaking in their new Victorian apprentice initiative.

75 salon participants will receive subsidised support when aligning with these apprentices. Student participants will obtain a Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) or Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) through the program.

CEO & Managing Director of Box Hill Institute, Vivienne King with The Hon Jaala Pullford MP

“The industry has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic so this program has been developed to support the shortage of apprentices as well as transition those experiencing difficulty into meaningful jobs,” said Box Hill Institute Executive Director of Educational Delivery, Jane Trewin.

“This program is the first of its kind in Australia, and the demand for hairdressing and barbering has never been higher, so we are pleased to be addressing the employee shortage in this way to help employers and the industry sector.”

Employers can receive a further benefit through the Federal Government’s Job Booster program, which offers a 50 per cent wage subsidy for employers registered by March 31 2022.

The new Apprenticeship Initiative will see developing hairdressers and barbers complete two weeks of pre-training before starting employment. Employers will liaise with a respected industry figure as a mentor as well as Box Hill Institute’s Head of Hair and Beauty (Industry Engagement) Ruth Browne, as part of the program. Box Hill Institute will invest in and assist each individual involved to facilitate the scheme to success.

Apprentices in the scheme will receive training conducive with the Certificate III qualification, be part of a recruitment process that aligns hairdressers and employers, and gain individual mentoring from Box Hill Institute at every level. The program will run an initial skills and personality assessment to identify areas for development, with opportunities to participate in an accredited micro-credentials program to fill in any gaps and will offer a myriad of master classes from industry experts. It will also offer personalised ‘Job Readiness’ training of soft skills including communication, teamwork and client care.

In the program, student course fees will be covered and they will receive additional resources including a hairdressing kit, uniforms and Pivot Point education materials. As such, each apprentice participating in the program will receive around $15,000 in value of training and support.

Chiara Perrone, Ohana Hairdressing owner Olivia Zynevych, CEO & Managing Director of Box Hill Institute, Vivienne King, and The Hon Jaala Pullford MP, Minister for Employment and Small Business

After a difficult couple of years, a boost to the industry in this way is needed more than ever. Congratulations to Box Hill Institute and Jobs Victoria for addressing the skills shortage and providing unparalleled support and resources to make this program a success.

Hairdressing and Barbering employers who are keen to be part of the program should visit boxhill.edu.au/course-areas/hair/or call Ruth Browne on 0411 052 208 for more information.