Student to salon owner and teacher – Hayley’s career goes full circle

“I started training with TAFE Queensland when I was in high school,” Hayley shared.

“I undertook a high school program which involved completing a Certificate II level course. We attended the TAFE Queensland teaching salon in the afternoons to complete units and start our training in the Certificate III level course.”

“That experience led me to realise how much I loved hairdressing, so I found a school-based apprenticeship.”

“After high school I went on to finish my apprenticeship, and honestly, fast forward to now — it’s actually really nice working at TAFE Queensland, as I get to work with some of my old educators,” said Hayley.

Upon graduating as a hairdresser, Hayley had extensive experience in the hairdressing field and went on to own and manage her own salon.  Hayley is still a part of a salon team and enjoys her time working in the industry.

“While owning my salon and mentoring our apprentices, I loved passing on the knowledge that I had. That, and the progression and confidence I got from TAFE Queensland while I was there, made me aspire to eventually become an educator,” explained Hayley.

Hayley completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) with TAFE Queensland and applied to work with the organisation at the Toowoomba campus.

“This is my fifth year as an educator. I’ve taught a range of courses including the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) TAFE at School course, full-time Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) students and now Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) apprentices —  which is really great,” reflected Hayley.

In her role, Hayley particularly enjoys witnessing her students’ training journeys, from commencement through to completion.

“I love watching our students’ journeys because there’s always that excitement at the start, then there's a moment during the middle where it’s a bit of a push to keep going. Then, once they get over that hurdle, it’s a really empowering for them when they realise they’re finished and they’re so proud of themselves,” Hayley shared.

“That’s probably my most exciting bit — when they get to the end and they did it and I was able to help them get there,” she said.

“My main focus though is to support them through their hairdressing journey.”

While Hayley enjoys sharing her knowledge with students, continuing to work with her own clients provides her with an important creative outlet and ongoing connection to the industry.

“I would miss my time in the salon, so I find having clients of my own allows me to be artistic within the hairdressing world, and then share that with my students,” said Hayley.

“I also find that the students relate to me — by both working within a salon and then training — it ensures I’m industry current. I’m also learning from my students too — I’m learning different skills when I visit their salons,” she said. 

Hayley’s advice to aspiring educators is spot-on: sharing your skills and passion with others is truly rewarding. And if you’re considering a career as a TAFE Queensland educator, Hayley’s experience highlights the variety and inspiration that comes with the role.

“I find that working as an educator for TAFE Queensland ensures every day is different,” said Hayley.

“You have days that are so inspiring, and different hurdles on other days.” 

“I think that being able to pass on all your skills is something that is so rewarding and if you’re passionate about your industry – being able to share that passion is really great.” 

“So if you’re thinking about doing your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) because you have that passion – and want to share it with others – I would definitely encourage you to do it,” Hayley said.