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    National code: SHB30416

    Certificate III in Hairdressing

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Launch your career as a qualified hairdresser or hairstylist and learn how to cut, colour and create styles your clients will love. Gain highly sought after skills to set you apart in the market and to build your clientele, then graduate ready to work in an established salon or open one of your own.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Unleash your creative skills on women's and men's hair

    • Use cutting methods and techniques

    • Apply colour techniques

    • Create special occasion and classic up-styles

    • Design haircut structures

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • A nationally recognised Certificate III qualification

    • The skills to cut, colour and style hair

    • The ability to diagnose hair and scalp conditions

    • The confidence to provide services and meet client expectations

    • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    Apprenticeship

    • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

    • Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application

    Non-apprenticeship

    • Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:

    • Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification

    • Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers

    • Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Excellent communication skills

    • Strong teamwork skills

    • Comfort working with a diverse range of clients

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: Hairdresser, Hairstylist, Hair colourist, Freelance session stylist, Creative/artistic director and Technical or sales advisor

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Certificate III in Hairdressing does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Certificate III in Hairdressing does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study1 Course

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    Your experience counts

    At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Hairdressing qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 28 Units of competency, including 21 core and 7 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesBSBSUS201

    • Provide shampoo and basin servicesSHBHBAS001

    • Colour and lighten hairSHBHCLS002

    • Provide full and partial head highlighting treatmentsSHBHCLS003

    • ... 6

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

    • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

    • TAFE NSW Libraries

    • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    • Student associations – get social with our student community

    Info sessionsWant to know more?

    There are a total of 10 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

    You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol