Qualified hairdressers' salaries increasing

It seems second-level students are unimpressed by the glamour of a career in hairdressing. Salons and course providers are finding it increasingly difficult to attract trainees.

A booming economy means more choice for school leavers and the starting salaries for trainee hairdressers are traditionally far lower than those offered by electronics or computer factories. However, the difficulties in attracting young people mean salons are having to increase their starting salaries, with many doubling the recommended minimum rates (see Fact File).

Salaries for trained hairdressers are increasing also with top stylists earning up to £50,000 a year. Aidan Fitzgerald, a past president of the Irish Hairdresser's Federation, says the job is "hard work but very rewarding. There are too many people in jobs which they don't enjoy. Hairdressers are creating all the time. Building up a relationship with clients boosts self-esteem."

He says there are job opportunities outside the traditional salons in the areas of fashion, TV and film. There is also the possibility of travel and those with an entrepreneurial bent can work towards the setting up of their own salons.

There are a number of training options from Post Leaving Certificate courses to courses offered by private salons and training offered by FAS. It was hoped that a four-year pilot programme drawn up by a committee representing industry, FAS and the VEC, would be adopted as the standardised method of training of the future. However, lack of applications meant the pilot scheme did not get off the ground in Cork. It did begin in Jervis Street FAS training centre, in Dublin, but the numbers have fallen as the course continued.

The course comprises five phases, with phases two and four off-the-job in FAS and Crumlin College of Business and Technical Studies respectively. Students are assessed both on and off-the-job, affording employers an opportunity to partake in the assessment process.

On successful completion, graduates will be awarded the National Crafts Certificate. Practically speaking, the programme was a success but all of that goes by the wayside if we can't attract people in, said a dispirited FAS source.

FAS used to offer hairdressing in 16 centres around the country but there are now only sufficient applicants to sustain courses in some eight centres.

There are some 13 Post Leaving Cert Colleges offering hairdressing courses. In some colleges hairdressing may be combined with some element(s) of beauty therapy. Work experience is built into most programmes.

For instance, at Crumlin College of Business and Technical Studies, Dublin, students do hairdressing and cosmetic studies. Students spend one day a week on work experience. Most students take the Department of Education's Junior Trade Certificate exams as well as the ITEC cosmetic studies and manicuring qualification.

After graduation, most students return to college at night to study for the Senior Trade Certificates and they can specialise in subsequent years.