The male grooming industry is booming, and IBISWorld predict this boom is going to continue, with the hairdressing and beauty service industry forecast to grow 2.6% annually for the next five years, to $7.4 billion in 2024.[1]

To help budding barberers find success in the growing field, TAFE NSW Ultimo introduced a Certificate III in Barbering, a course that focuses on developing the critical technical skills needed to become a barber.

TAFE NSW Ultimo graduate Jack Liston, who was the first student to enrol in the course explained, “I’d been looking into barbering for a while, trying to figure out the best way to start a career in the industry. So, when the Certificate III in Barbering became available through TAFE NSW I was completely over the moon and sought an apprenticeship.

“I went into the course with a really strong passion for barbering, but with a small amount of knowledge and literally zero skills when it came to the actual practice of cutting hair. I needed the TAFE NSW course to learn the fundamental skills and I’m now building on those skills every day.”

Using the skills he harnessed at TAFE NSW Ultimo, Jack is now a qualified barber at The Barber Shop, a trendy, parlour-style barbershop in Barangaroo. As one of their master barbers, he utilises vintage tools to create the ever-evolving contemporary precision cuts, along with offering traditional barber services to his clients.

Jack explains, “I’d always been into general style and aesthetic but hadn’t really found a career path that enabled me to pursue those interests in a way that I found both stimulating and rewarding until now. I love when the work I’ve done for someone helps improve their confidence, or gives the finishing touch that they’re looking for - it’s an awesome feeling.”

The Barber Shop manager, Jacob Martin said, “We were very lucky to have Jack reach out for an apprenticeship. He has proven himself a very hard worker who is thorough and dedicated. In his three years with us has been an integral part to business. His perseverance as a more mature learner should be applauded.”

Sharing his work on his Instagram account @jacked_up_haircuts, Jack is grateful to have completed his apprenticeship and landed a job that he loves. “I may not have a whole heap of big achievements yet, but to have finished my apprenticeship and find myself in a job that I love going to everyday, definitely feels like an achievement to me.”

The Certificate III in Barbering is offered at various TAFE NSW locations across the state and teaches students a range of well-developed sales, consultation and technical skills and knowledge, so they can confidently provide a range of barbering services to clients.

Under the NSW Government fee-free apprenticeship initiative, NSW apprentices may be eligible for fee-free training. To find out more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.