Hairdressing Apprenticeships – Canberra

Hairdressing Apprenticeships – Canberra

Launch Your Creative Career with a Leading, Highly Reputable Salon

Are you passionate about hair, fashion, people and learning a craft you can take anywhere in the world? This is your chance to begin (or continue) a nationally recognised Hairdressing Apprenticeship with one of Canberra's most respected professional salons.

We specialise in securing outstanding emerging talent faster than anyone else. We are a multi-award‑nominated, education‑driven salon known for technical excellence, client loyalty, and a supportive culture that grows stylists from apprentice to senior and beyond.

Quick Snapshot

• Role: Full-time Hairdressing Apprentice (1st, 2nd or 3rd year considered; school-based option may be available)
• Location: Inner Canberra (close to public transport)
• Qualification: Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416 or current equivalent) via an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Start: ASAP – multiple intake slots (we will appoint as soon as we find the right people)
• Pay: In line with the Hair and Beauty Industry Award super + incentives
• Hours: 38 hours/week (rostered, incl. some late nights + Saturdays)
• Progression: Structured pathway to Qualified Stylist, Advanced Cutting/Colour Academies, Editorial & Competition Support

About the Salon

A premium, education-first salon with:

• Strong retention of both staff and clients
• Modern, light-filled space & luxury product partners (sustainable + cruelty-free focus)
• A coaching culture: weekly in-salon training + external workshops + photographic/competition mentoring
• Established reputation for precision cutting, bespoke colour, lived-in blondes, creative fashion work, scalp & hair health services

Why This Apprenticeship Is Different

You will NOT be "just washing hair." You will receive:

1. Structured Learning Plan – mapped month-by-month against your RTO units
2. Weekly Dedicated Training Sessions (models supplied + encouraged to bring your own)
3. Exposure to Advanced Colour Theory, Creative Foiling, Freehand Techniques, Colour Correction
4. Precision Cutting Foundations (elevation, graduation, layering, texturising)
5. Barbering fundamentals (if interested)
6. Styling & Finishing: editorial looks, hot tool mastery, blow-dry efficiency
7. Client Journey & Retail Education (consultation, diagnosis, recommendation ethics)
8. Sustainability & Salon Operations (stock systems, hygiene, WHS compliance)
9. Industry Events / Competition Support (subject to performance)
10. Clear Promotion Milestones – every skill signed off unlocks new responsibilities & earning potential

What You Will Be Doing (Progressive Responsibilities)

• Months 0–3: Shampooing, basin treatments, blow-dry foundations, colour prep, salon presentation, shadow consultations
• Months 4–9: Applying semi/demi colours, regrowth tints under supervision, basic foils, basin rituals, finishing techniques, product education
• Months 10–18: Intermediate foiling patterns, toning, root stretch, global lightening assistance, cutting mannequins then live models, styling clients
• Months 18–Completion: Building a column, advanced colour corrections (under mentorship), cutting refinement, photographic/competition entries, assisting with junior training

(Exact timing depends on performance & RTO progression.)

About You

We welcome applications from:

• School leavers, career changers, or those already part-way through an apprenticeship (Australian-recognised transfer)
• Creatives who value precision, people who love team collaboration, and service-focused individuals

Essential Attributes:

• Genuine passion for hair & fashion trends (you follow, learn, and ask "why")
• Coachable mindset – you seek feedback and implement it
• Reliability & professional presentation
• Strong communication: warm, confident, respectful
• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship (3–4 year pathway depending on entry point)

Desirable (but not mandatory):

• Prior salon assistant or customer service experience
• Evidence of self-learning (mannequin practice, portfolio pics, TikTok/Instagram hair interest)
• Interest in sustainability or scalp health

Eligibility:

• Australian citizen / permanent resident OR valid working rights allowing completion of the full apprenticeship duration
• Able to enrol (or currently enrolled) with an approved RTO for SHB30416 (or updated successor qualification)
• For school-based applicants: capacity to meet minimum paid hours + training requirements set by ACT Apprenticeships framework

What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)

By Month 6: Confident basin experience, product recommendations, solid blow-dry fundamentals

By Month 9: Applying base colours & toners accurately, starting structured foils

By Month 12: Managing repeat blow-dry/styling clients, performing supervised partial foils, demonstrating cutting basics on models

Rewards & Benefits

• Above award wages + super + retail & service incentives
• Paid training time (not just "after hours")
• Access to premium product education & brand academies
• Internal mentorship from Senior Stylists & Creative Director
• Clear documented progression reviews every 12 weeks
• Opportunities for editorial shoots, competitions & events (based on readiness)
• Supportive, inclusive, ego-free team culture
• Staff services & product discounts
• Mental wellbeing focus & safe workplace practices

Culture & Values

The salon lives by:

• Craft: Do it with technical excellence or not at all
• Care: Client, team, community & planet
• Curiosity: Keep learning, keep experimenting
• Integrity: Honest recommendations, transparent pricing, ethical practices
• Inclusion: Diverse clients & staff welcomed, celebrated and respected

Diversity & Inclusion

We strongly encourage applications from women, men, non-binary people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require adjustments during recruitment, just let us know—confidentially respected.

Application Process

1. Submit:

2. Resume (even if short)

3. A short cover note: Why hair? Why us?
4. (Optional) 3–5 photos: mannequin practice, braids, styling, creative looks (even if informal)
5. First Stage: Phone / video chat (15 mins)
6. In-Salon Meet & Tour
7. Practical Observation (you'll assist & may perform simple tasks)
8. Offer & Training Plan Issued

Fast-track: Strong applications may move from application to offer within 10 business days.

How to Apply

Email:

Subject Line: Hair Apprentice – Canberra – [Your Name]

Or apply via the portal (if you were sent a link).

Please apply ASAP—roles will close once filled. Final official close date (if still open): 30 days from advertisement posting.

Cover Note Prompt (Optional but Powerful)

In 150 words or less, tell us:

• What inspired you to pursue hairdressing?
• A skill you're proud of learning recently (any domain)
• One hair trend you love and why

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I've started my apprenticeship elsewhere—can I transfer?

A: Yes. Provide a training record / statement of attainment; we'll map remaining units.

Q: Do I need my own toolkit?

A: Basic starter kit required (scissors, combs, section clips). We can guide approved suppliers; some items may be subsidised.

Q: Is a portfolio mandatory?

A: No, but it helps show enthusiasm.

Q: Can international students apply?

A: Only if visa conditions allow completion of a full-time Australian Apprenticeship.

Professional & Confidential Handling

All applications are handled confidentially by our specialist apprenticeship recruitment team. Unsuccessful candidates may (with consent) be recommended for other roles.

Ready to Start Your Hair Journey?

If you're hungry to learn, serious about your craft, and want to build a respected career—not just a job—apply now. We fill quickly. Your future chair is waiting.

Apply today:

(Attach resume + brief cover note. Use Subject: Hair Apprentice – Canberra – [Your Name])

We look forward to meeting the next generation of exceptional stylists.