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Lisa loved the hairdressing industry but wanted to give back. So when the opportunity came to fill in for a teacher at TAFE Queensland, she jumped at it. Twelve years later, she’s still here, shaping the next generation of hairdressers and barbers.
“I was working in the industry for a long time and felt like I needed a change,” Lisa said.
“But I wanted to stay in the industry I love. Teaching gave me the chance to pass on the knowledge I’d learned over the years and contribute to the next generation.”
Now a hairdressing and barbering teacher at TAFE Queensland, Lisa works closely with apprentices over the course of their apprenticeship training.
“I love watching them grow,” she said.
“From that very first sign-up to their completion, it’s one of my favourite things.”
Lisa’s support goes far beyond the classroom. She visits salons and barber shops regularly, checking in with students and working side by side with employers to tailor training to their needs.
“I like to see my students every two to three weeks, whether it’s on the job or in class,” she explained.
“If we don’t get to see each other, I’ll call and check in. That structure and consistency is really important.”
TAFE Queensland’s flexible training options make it easy for Lisa to meet the needs of both students and employers. Apprentices can attend weekly classes, workplace training and assessment, or block training during school holidays – depending on what works best for their salon.
“We work around what the employer wants,” Lisa said.
“Once I’m working closely with the employer, we get the best out of the apprentice, and the apprentice gets the best out of both of us.”
That close relationship often turns into a lasting connection.
“We’re with them for a long time, and it doesn’t stop when they finish their apprenticeship,” she continued.
“I continue to watch them grow as qualified stylists. Some even become salon owners themselves.”
Lisa’s commitment to her students is matched by her dedication to staying current in the industry. She regularly attends education sessions, works with product companies, and still lends a hand in salons, whether it’s helping out at weddings or supporting friends in the industry.
“I love learning new things,” she said.
“We’re always keeping up with changes in hairdressing and barbering, especially with social media and the way salons are specialising more. We learn from industry just as much as they learn from us.”
TAFE Queensland’s facilities reflect that commitment to staying current. With modern salons and all the latest styling tools and products, students train in an environment that mirrors what they’ll find in the workplace.
“Our facilities are amazing,” Lisa said.
“They’re on par with industry – but we’re lucky to have more space, so everything’s spread out and accessible.”
Lisa believes TAFE Queensland stands out from other training providers because of its consistency, professionalism, and long-standing reputation.
“We’ve lasted the test of time,” she said.
“We’re forever growing, and we’re committed to delivering high-quality training and support.”
That support is evident in the success of TAFE Queensland’s apprentices, many of whom go on to win national competitions and open their own businesses.
“We’re so proud of our apprentices,” Lisa said.
“We just won gold at the WorldSkills nationals in Brisbane with two hairdressers and a barber. It’s not the first time – we’ve won many medals over the years.”
Preparing students for competitions takes months of extra training, but Lisa sees it as a valuable stepping stone in their careers.
“It shows we’re committed,” she said.
“We’re invested in our apprentices, and their success is our success.”
One apprentice who’s already showing promise is Charlotte, a recent school leaver who’s in the first year of her apprenticeship.
“She’s vivacious, beautiful, and learns very quickly,” Lisa said.
“You only have to show her something once and she’s got it. She’s going to be a wonderful hairdresser and definitely the next big thing. Watch this space!”
Charlotte is already making her mark as a first-year apprentice at Giggles Hair Salon.
Lisa’s advice to anyone considering a career in hairdressing?
“Be committed, work hard, and enjoy it,” she said.
“Stick with it, even in the hard times, because it’s something you’ll have forever.”
And for employers thinking about sending their apprentice to TAFE Queensland?
“They won’t be disappointed,” Lisa said.
“We tailor training to their needs, we’re on the job with them, and we work side by side to get the best results.”
With expert teachers like Lisa, flexible training options, and industry-standard facilities, TAFE Queensland is helping apprentices build confidence, skills, and careers that last a lifetime.