New course to groom new wave of dynamic barbers

Aspiring barbers are a hair’s breadth away from shear success with a new national barbering qualification now offered at Kangan Institute’s Richmond campus.

To be officially launched on 15 February, the 10-month Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) covers traditional and urban barbering units, incorporating the best of both skill sets and ensuring learners gain skills to handle all aspects of barbering at a barber shop.

“The Certificate III in Barbering was officially endorsed as a national qualification only last year and Kangan Institute is one of the first TAFEs to offer this new course,” said Kangan Institute’s creative industries manager Katrina Jojkity.

“Our focus on real career outcomes means that our course is developed in consultation with barbers across Melbourne, with students taught by experienced professionals at our purpose-built training salon. They also have opportunities to access work placements at actual barber shops to get their foot in the door.

“Our expertise also means that we’re here to support existing barbering staff with on-site training to get their skills formally recognised in line with a national qualification.”

The program has already created a buzz since being soft-launched to an inaugural batch of students in September last year. 

“There’s a significant demand for skilled staff in the barbering industry all around the country and our course reflects this skills gap,” said Katrina.

“Classes for our pilot intake were filled to capacity. We received immense interest from young learners, career changers and existing workers, and we anticipate 2017 to be no different.

“We’re also anticipating stronger partnerships with barber shops this year as we explore a new apprenticeship stream to customise training to individual salon needs.”