For Nicole, getting paid to learn is just one of the best things about doing an
apprenticeship. “I love training in and out of the salon. It really does help
learning hands on. I've been able to grow as a hairdresser developing my own
clientele and learning new and exciting services and techniques to offer them.
Although working is a full time job I’m still able to train and learn as I go.”
Nicole
McNamee graduated Yr 12, obtaining her HSC in 2003. When she finished school she
started a trial at a hairdressing salon, and today she’s working there and
completing her Australian Apprenticeship. Nicole figured that, “although there are other
ways to get a certificate in hairdressing, an apprenticeship was the best
opportunity.”
Why hairdressing specifically? “I love all facets of the industry. I enjoy
interacting with people of all ages, sex and background. Making each and
everyone of them feel relaxed pampered and beautiful.”
Nicole lives in Albury NSW. Her salon, The Parlour On Olive, offers “a range of
hairdressing services as well as waxing, manicures and spa pedicures.” Doing an
apprenticeship has allowed Nicole to grow in her workplace and career - “I first
started sweeping floors, making tea and coffee, gowning up clients, shampooing
and treatments both for senior stylists, reception duties and stock control. I
began consulting my own clients through staff training and from there I built my
own clientele, servicing them in chemical services, cut, colour and styling.”
Nicole’s not the only Australian Apprentice – the salon also has a first year apprentice in
training, along with the two full time staff, and two part time staff. Nicole
says her employer “offers regular staff training and access to training outside
the salon which gives us a lot of motivation and skills we can bring back into
the salon.”
For Nicole, getting paid to learn is just one of the best things about doing an
apprenticeship. “I love training in and out of the salon. It really does help
learning hands on. I've been able to grow as a hairdresser developing my own
clientele and learning new and exciting services and techniques to offer them.
Although working is a full time job I’m still able to train and learn as I go.”
It is Nicole’s belief that we learn best through experience, which is why doing
an apprenticeship is exactly the kind of training she went for. “It’s a great
opportunity to get hands-on in your chosen industry. I believe that you learn
more from hands-on experience and day-to-day life within the salon"
Nicole’s only idea to improve her apprenticeship experience is changing the four
year apprenticeship to three years, as the certificate itself is only a two year
course.
So why did Nicole choose to do an apprenticeship rather than just studying?
“Doing an apprenticeship gives you skills for life. Having your HSC is a good
asset for university and for some employers. But with the national skills
shortage you’re well looked after as an apprentice by the government with many
incentives. You are guaranteed work both in Australia and overseas just about.
Most university courses don't guarantee full time work once you've completed
your course.”
“In most industries, being an apprentice is the best option. You often go to
trade school once a week or in week-blocks depending on your location and course
timetable. You get on-the-job training where you feel you get most of your
skills from, and you get to meet a lot of different people and experience a
range of working environments. You wouldn't get these doing a crash course at a
college or non apprenticeship based certificate.”
Nicole is happy working at the salon and plans to continue working there, but
she also hopes to spend some time traveling and working overseas in the future.
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