Life is short, so do something that gets your heart racing!
TAFE SA is the big wig when it comes to making your dream career happen. And if you love all things beauty and hairdressing, they’ll have you bringing out beauty better than Hepburn and snipping like Scissorhands.
As SA’s largest vocational education and training provider, they offer more specialised courses than you can shake a stick at — from Certificate II in salon assistance to Certificate III in hairdressing and barbering; and Certificate II in retail cosmetics to diploma level courses in beauty.
You’ll get real-world salon experience with their in-house training facilities where you can practise hair cutting, styling and colouring, body treatments, spa therapy, facials, massage, nail technology and customer service, all while making invaluable connections in the industry.
With oodles of campuses — including in regional SA — there are plenty of opportunities to get creative or make that life-changing career move. We got the scoop from the incredible women who head up these innovative courses…
Hair, hair, hair
We ‘wear’ our hair every day and no one wants to look like Cousin It, so it makes sense that hairdressers and barbers will always be in demand. TAFE SA courses prepare you for work as an apprentice hairdresser, barber, salon assistant or salon owner. You’ll master skills and techniques in cutting, barbering, styling, colouring, chemical services, customer service, retailing and trichology.
As TAFE SA’s Principal Lecturer of Hairdressing, Tina Dalwood is passionate about seeing students soar. “We want our students to have fulfilling careers, so apart from equipping them with the skills and qualifications, we help link them with potential employers and people in the industry.”
TAFE SA Hair and Beauty has a mobile education salon, Priscilla, that visits Hutt Street to pamper and perform services for clients of the Hutt Street Centre, giving students invaluable life experience. Priscilla also travels regionally to cater for students across the state, including regions in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula and even Kangaroo Island.
“It’s incredible to see how much our students grow in their time with us. They could start at school and through exposure to a range of careers, begin their pathway to apprenticeship while at school. We have seen an increase of school-based apprenticeships whilst students are in Year 11 and 12, as it aligns with SACE requirements,” Tina says.
You beauty!
Whether you’re keen to become a nail technician, beauty therapist or makeup artist, there’s a whole kit on offer. Learn from scratch, or upskill with courses that complement the award courses, plus, TAFE SA also offers some recognition of prior learning.
TAFE SA’s Principal Lecturer of Beauty Grace Maiorano loves the huge variety. “There’s so much to choose from — including a Diploma of Screen and Media, where you can specialise in makeup for television and theatre. You’ll even learn special effects and latex for creating wounds, and work with local theatre companies.”
Not only are the courses artistic, Grace explains there is a huge focus on building exciting careers. “We set our students up for success! As well as specialising in advanced facials using machinery, and body and spa, the majority of students have gained employment from the middle of their course.
“A career in beauty can be so satisfying, and once you’re empowered with knowledge and tricks of the trade, you can provide nurturing services and help clients to look and feel their best,” Grace says.
And for those who just love being pampered, primped and preened, check out the in-salon offers where you can nab invigorating services for a fraction of the industry price.
So, if you’ve ever had a hankering to work in these creative industries, jump online and shoot for the stars! Head to the website for more information and for mid-year entry applications.
Em xx
