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Name: Bianca Caires, 19
Occupation: Hairdresser, Sydney
VET pathway: Certificate III in Hairdressing, completed as an apprenticeship
When did you know you wanted to be a hairdresser? “I’ve always had an interest in hairdressing, from a very young age. My mother is a hairdresser—she’s my mentor—and I've been around hairdressing from as long back as I can remember. Unlike my twin sister and older brother, who were interested in school and going to university, I just loved all things creative and hair. I convinced my parents in Year 9 that I wanted to follow mum’s footsteps, and with their help I started my apprenticeship on the first day of Year 10.”
Best memories of starting your apprenticeship? “Once I started my apprenticeship and I was surrounded in a room full of hairdressers or teachers that were teaching hairdressing, it was so much more supportive. And even my mind and how I was mentally kinda changed. And I was a lot more happier.”
What do you love about going to work each day? “I love that we play music. We end up having a huge conversation and clients get involved. It's not just hair that everyone loves, it's our culture. Even though we're crazy, we are passionate about hair and they love that also.”
What inspires your work? “I take inspiration from everywhere – so that can be fashion, can be photography, art galleries… I take little bits and pieces, and I kind of put that into work. I like being able to create art every day. I love the space I’m in, and the space I share with all our other hairdressers. We all inspire each other.”
What’s the best thing about being a hairdresser? “We make people feel good. For us to be able to make someone feel themselves or make them feel nice about themselves—it not only changes their mood, it changes our mood. And it makes you realise, this is why I do what I do.”
Best advice for other young people? “That they do have other options to choose from than just university. If you’re really ready to leave [highschool] or you’re really passionate and you know what you want to do, sometimes university isn’t the best option for you. In my case it wasn’t.”
Hairdressing is considered a trade apprenticeship, so VET training for this occupation is fee-free. An apprenticeship lets you learn and earn on the job while you receive necessary industry and classroom training.
The most popular apprenticeship to become a hairdresser is a Certificate III in Hairdressing.
Apprentice hairdressers and qualified stylists are in demand in Sydney and regional NSW. According to Commonwealth Government data, only 27% of hairdressing vacancies are filled. Employers are looking for qualified hairdressers with great communication and customer relations skills, who are passionate and dependable. On average, hairdressers earn around $800 a week, with earnings likely to be lower when starting out and higher as experience grows.
Other VET courses that can help you launch a career in the hair and beauty industry are the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (available as a traineeship), Certificate III in Barbering (also available as a fee-free apprenticeship), or the Diploma of Salon Management.