Melita begins a cutting new career

"The salon staff at S+S Hair Beauty are so welcoming, and it's such an inclusive environment to work in," said Melita.

"They advise and guide me every day, which is then echoed through my TAFE Queensland training blocks, and it makes my job so enjoyable."

Becoming a hairdresser was an unexpected yet welcome career move for Melita. She left high school to study music at university, but soon realised it wasn't for her.

Wanting a creative career where she could help people feel good about themselves, she enrolled to study hairdressing with TAFE Queensland.

Her training takes place at S+S Hair Beauty, a TAFE Queensland partner, who have 23 professional salons all over Brisbane.

"I certainly don't want to work in an office. I want to express myself while helping others express themselves, and hairdressing allows me to do that," she explained.

"I knew hairdressing was the career for me as soon as I began studying. My helpful teachers were awesome and accessible. Personal face to face hands-on training shows they really care about their students’ outcomes."

Hairdressing is in Melita’s DNA as she grew up watching her mum styling hair from her home salon. Melita would occasionally help her mum when cutting the hair of friends and family members.

Now studying and working in her dream career, Melita is learning all about colouring, lightening, basin services, salon operations and the design and cutting of client’s hair.

This partnership is an example of TAFE Queensland's relevant industry connections, which are vital for guiding students through their education and giving them insights into the workplace before they qualify.

"S+S Hair Beauty is proud of its 26-year association with TAFE Queensland," said Allan Tacey, Director, S+S Hair Beauty.

"Together, we have trained over 500 first-year apprentices to become fully qualified hairdressers. TAFE Queensland trains all students in our salons. This, in turn, maximises their time spent learning."

"This exceptional training is provided by our professional stylists, TAFE Queensland’s fully qualified teachers and is reinforced by ongoing education with L'Oreal Professional educators."

"S+S Hair Beauty is committed to promoting internal career opportunities. Over 40 members of our management team commenced as 1st Year Apprentices, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership into the future," he said.

Since beginning her studies in 2020, Melita has quickly gained practical skills that she now uses to confidently work as a hairdresser.

"My training is so rewarding and has given my career such a wonderful start," continued Melita.

"My teachers and colleagues take the time to teach me the intricacies of formulas, colours, cutting, angles and other complicated areas of hairdressing."

"Their support, access and time that the S+S team and teachers invest in students has prepared me so well for the salon environment."

Now that she's been with S+S Hair Beauty for almost two years, she wants to stay long term because the team environment is so great and she loves using her skills to help people every day.

"I love seeing people happy and confident with their hair. I'm so glad to study with TAFE Queensland while working at S+S Hair Beauty. The combination of the training and work experience means my career is certain, and I'll never look back," she finished.