TAFE Queensland teacher grows and locks in new talent

“I worked at a local salon in a ‘Tea and Tidy’ role through years 10-12 at high school, and at the end of Year 12, I got offered a full-time apprenticeship,” Kyla said.

“I also got into university to do a dual degree in arts and teaching, but I deferred and accepted the apprenticeship and never looked back — I loved hairdressing so much.”

“I've had my own business (hair salon) now for the last twelve years, in town. So yes, you could say I’ve got lots of experience — it’s a great industry to be a part of.”

“I attend workshops, I love to learn about new trends and new ways of doing things. I love to be creative — I was always very artistic at school, and hairdressing offers great opportunities to be creative with people’s hair, whilst also having that one-on-one interaction,” she added.

Kyla shares her passion for the industry with high school students completing the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) TAFE at School course in the fully operational training salons at TAFE Queensland’s Kingaroy and Nurunderi campuses.

“I teach the pre-apprenticeship course across both campuses in the South Burnett Region and I became a teacher nearly four ago because I wanted to give back to the industry,” she explained.

“I always enjoyed training apprentices across the many salons that I worked in, and I knew that TAFE Queensland was a great training organisation to work for.”

“I’m passionate about seeing the industry constantly change and grow, and to pass on the latest skills to, and support, our younger generation to come through the ranks,” shared Kyla.

“We’re always keen to welcome new clients to visit our training salon so the students can practice the practical parts of the course. Our Kingaroy campus salon is open to all community members,” said Kyla.

“At the Certificate II level we don’t do any cutting, however, we can do any sort of colouring, head, neck and shoulder massages, braids and blow dries. It’s a great opportunity for our clients to enjoy a lovely pamper session. In fact, we often have business owners come in and get their hair done ahead of events, presentations or functions,” continued Kyla.

Kyla said the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) TAFE at School course enables eager students to get a head start on a career as a hairdresser.

“The Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) course crosses over into Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) and Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) — so when students go on to their apprenticeship they’re already ahead with credits for units they’ve completed.”

“Completing this pre-apprenticeship course enables graduates to attain roles as salon assistants or trainees, and equips them with the knowledge and skills to enhance their employability.”

“And, even though the course is primarily related to the hairdressing industry, the content and concepts covered relate to many other industries. Financial, communication, customer service and reception skills are all included. So, if the student doesn’t continue on to a hairdressing apprenticeship, completing this qualification will still put them in good stead for gaining a job in another industry — the skills are transferable,” said Kyla.

Kyla finds it rewarding to help students gain in-demand skills for an industry that is experiencing a high demand for workers. 

“I love the interaction with the students. I get a real kick out of seeing them accomplish skills that I've taught them. And you know, you can just see when they're proud and that makes me proud too. It's a really nice feeling,” Kyla shared.

“There is a real industry shortage of hairdressers, so being able to skill-up our younger generation is very rewarding.”

According to Australian Government’s Labour Market Insight website, the demand for hairdressers is set to grow strongly to more than 69,600 workers by 2026 — an increase of more than 6,100 workers during the 5 years prior.