UCOL seeks the next wave of hairdressers

UCOL seeks the next wave of hairdressers

Members of the local hairdressing industry have welcomed the continuation of Whanganui UCOL’s entry level Hairdressing programme.

President of the Whanganui Association of Registered Hairdressers and co-owner of Protégé Hairdressing Tiffiny Thompson, says UCOL’s decision to retain the Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) Level 3 is not only good for the local hairdressing industry, but the Whanganui community as a whole. “It means young men and women who want to start a career as a hairdresser can stay in Whanganui and have the support of their families and friends here while they train.”

The Level 3 Certificate programme survived recent course budget cuts at UCOL.

Tiffiny says the Certificate programme is valuable as it prepares students well for the commercial salon environment. “Employers gain salon staff who can function effectively straight away,” she says.

Graduates of the Certificate programme gain enough credits to move straight into the second year stage of an apprenticeship.

“A three year apprenticeship is a huge commitment,” says Tiffiny. “The students experience the industry through the classroom and graduates know exactly what to expect from their career choice. In this regard, the certificate performs a very important purpose.”

“Whanganui is recognised on a national level as being a region dedicated to training,” says Carol Hayward, co-owner of Chonel Ltd. “Given that UCOL’s full time Hairdressing course is one of several pathways into our industry, and our industry is a stakeholder for the Hairdressing programme, it is a relief that the UCOL programme is on track.”

UCOL Hairdressing Senior Lecturer Jacqui Broughton says the Hairdressing teaching staff are keen to welcome next year’s new students. “Enrolment is open now. We are ready to train the next wave of hairdressers.”

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