Paul Pardini makes the cut

Long-time hairdressing educator Paul Pardini has been named a finalist for VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards for the Tropical North region.

Based at TAFE Queensland's Cairns campus, Paul teaches Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216), Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) and the Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516). But for his students, he is much more than a teacher. He is a mentor, motivator, and tireless supporter of their success.

“Everything I do is for my students,” Paul said. “I want them to succeed, not just in the classroom, but out in the world. My job is to help them get there.”

Paul has been with TAFE Queensland for 16 years and has built his teaching around the same values that shaped his career in salons: passion, precision, and people.

His journey into education began in the workplace, where he found joy in training apprentices. That joy turned into purpose, and eventually, a career.

“I realised I loved teaching just as much as hairdressing. I wanted to pass on everything I’d learned and keep evolving too,” he said.

To deepen his knowledge, Paul returned to study as an adult, completing a Bachelor of Adult and Applied Learning from the University of Tasmania. Studying online while working full-time was challenging, but for Paul, it was transformational.

“That course opened my eyes. It gave me the tools to really understand how people learn and how I could teach better,” he said.

Paul is one of three TAFE Queensland educators nominated in this year’s Tropical North awards, joining civil construction teacher Troy Bloustien and early childhood education teacher Stacy Walters.

Paul is now a leader in his field. He is a key member of TAFE Queensland's Professional Learning Committee for Hairdressing and was recently asked to redevelop the teaching resources for barbering courses, a qualification that continues to grow in popularity.

“We needed fresh, practical resources that matched where the industry is right now,” he said. “So, I built them from the ground up, using a mix of video, demonstration, peer learning and reflection.”

His students benefit from that innovation every day, and so do his industry peers, as his resources are now being used across Queensland.

But Paul doesn’t just teach skills – he opens doors.

“I work closely with local barbershops. I noticed a lot of them didn’t have formal qualifications. That meant they couldn’t take on apprentices, which holds them back,” he said.

Paul created an initiative to visit those barbershops and help owners and workers gain their Certificate III in Barbering through Recognition of Prior Learning. Once qualified, many of those same businesses took on his students as apprentices.

“It was a win for everyone. The businesses grew, and my students gained real opportunities. That’s how we build the future of the industry.”

Paul’s community focus runs deep. Every six weeks, he leads a team of student volunteers to Barlow Park, offering free haircuts through the Hair-Aid program for people experiencing homelessness or hardship.

“Giving someone a haircut might seem small, but it can be huge,” Paul said. “We help people feel seen, valued and respected. It reminds my students why we do what we do.”

He also volunteers with a program providing free back-to-school haircuts to children across Cairns, Innisfail and Atherton.

“It gives kids confidence. You can see them lift their chin a little higher after a haircut. Every child deserves that feeling on their first day of school.”

Inside the classroom, Paul is known for meeting every student where they are. From adding subtitles to videos, to learning Australian Sign Language for students with hearing impairments, to using tools like Immersive Reader, Paul makes sure every student has access to the learning experience.

“Everyone learns differently. My job is to figure out how they learn best and then teach that way.”

He uses peer mentoring to build student confidence and encourages participation in events and competitions from the very start. His students have volunteered at Hair-Aid, worked backstage at local fashion events, and followed international trends through events like New York Fashion Week and the Sydney Hair Festival.

When Paul saw that the traditional delivery model wasn’t working for all students, he redesigned it. Instead of revisiting basic skills only when needed, he created focused skill blocks where students could master one technique at a time before moving on. The result? Higher completion rates and more confident learners.

“Sometimes you just need to slow down and let students really get it. That’s where growth happens.”

Paul also maintains strong ties with industry. He’s a member of the Australian Hairdressing Council and regularly invites product companies and local salon owners into his classroom for demonstrations and workshops.

“The industry doesn’t stand still, so neither can we. Staying connected means our students graduate with current skills and real expectations.”

Paul’s influence goes far beyond Far North Queensland. As a long-time volunteer with WorldSkills Australia, he has judged at both regional and national levels for 16 years. He also coordinates local competitions, mentors student competitors, and helps other regions set up their own events.

From cutting hair in salons to shaping futures in the classroom, Paul Pardini’s commitment is clear. He brings skill, heart, and a deep sense of community to everything he does.

“Hairdressing isn’t just about style. It’s about connection, confidence, and care,” Paul said. “And when you combine that with education, you can really make an impact.”

As the 2025 Queensland Training Awards approach, Paul’s students, colleagues, and community all agree: he’s already made a winning difference.