Trinity’s school-based apprenticeship styles her future

While completing high school at Bracken Ridge State High, she’s also working towards her Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416), the essential entry-level qualification for anyone wanting to become a professional hairdresser.

Trinity’s passion for hairdressing was inspired by her sister, Tegan, a TAFE Queensland hairdressing graduate.

“My sister’s already a hairdresser, and I love watching her cut, colour and style hair. She always did my hair, and I want to be able to work alongside her someday,” Trinity said.

When her school began offering School-Based Apprenticeships with TAFE Queensland, she jumped at the chance to study her passion.

The program allows her to earn while she learns, build valuable industry connections, and develop practical skills alongside experienced professionals.

“I heard about the apprenticeship program from my sister, who encouraged me to do it. So, I spoke to my school, and they contacted S+S Hair.Beauty, and they arranged to meet me - it was so exciting,” Trinity said.

Getting started initially felt a little scary, but the straightforward process put her at ease as she began training.

“I had an interview, visited the salon, and then they told me I’d got the job. I started over the December holidays, and since then I’ve just kept going - I love it so much,” she said.

Her School-Based Apprenticeship sees her balancing her high school studies with paid on-the-job training, spending Mondays and Saturdays in the salon and extra shifts during holidays.

Through her apprenticeship, she’s gaining hands-on experience in S+S Hair.Beauty’s real salon environment, learning the fundamentals of cutting, colouring, and styling from industry professionals.

Working with S+S Hair.Beauty, which has 17 salons across Brisbane, Trinity is learning to provide professional client services for all ages - from toddlers to seniors.

“I thought I’d just be washing hair, but I’m doing so much more. I put on colours, blow-dry, straighten and curl, washes, and now I’m learning foiling to back up the senior stylists. Next, I’ll be learning to cut and style hair,” she said.

Her TAFE Queensland teachers visit her regularly, supporting and assessing her skill development.

At the same time, she completes theory components during classes at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus.

“My teachers are always helpful - if I get stuck, they explain things and make learning fun. It’s less judgmental than high school, and you can always laugh with them. They even bring snacks sometimes,” Trinity said.

With demand for qualified hairdressers rising and more than 31,000 job openings expected across Australia in the next five years, her training sets her up for a strong career future.

Trinity's School-Based Apprenticeship means she will graduate high school with a Queensland Certificate of Education, a nationally recognised qualification, and a direct pathway into full-time employment in the hair and beauty industry.

Looking ahead, Trinity dreams of someday opening a salon with her sister and would not rule out studying business with TAFE Queensland.

“My apprenticeship is better than I thought it would be. My knowledge, skills and confidence have all grown, and I love talking to my clients and hearing their stories. But I also love the creativity,” Trinity said.

Her passion goes beyond styling hair; through her work, she helps people feel more confident and valued - sometimes being the only person they get to connect with that day.

“I plan to keep training and eventually become a full-time hairdresser and see where it takes me,” concluded Trinity.