On the job

Learning a craft or trade in the classroom is a great way to start, but nothing beats the benefits of on-the-job experience and that can come in a number of ways. At Cut Above, New Zealand's largest training establishment for the hair and beauty industry, students gain a great deal of exposure to the real world to ensure they're ready to join the workforce once their training finishes.

In their second year students alternate weekly between in-class training and supervised experience on paying clients in the graduate salon. They receive a percentage of their takings and, therefore, begin to appreciate the realities of building a client base.

They also get to test their skills on a variety of professional productions. For example, five students made it onto the eight-strong TRESemme ‘Dream Team’ of official hairstylists for the NZ Fashion Festival. Another class worked with Cut Above makeup students as backstage crew for the AUT Rookie Show, and the three-week season of Miss Saigon at the Civic Theatre. Now they’re currently gearing up for the October production of Anything Goes.

Finally, and of utmost importance to their careers, the hairdressing students are encouraged to enter the pre-trade event in the Auckland Hairdressing Competitions.

To prepare them for what will be required, the tutors organise an annual in-house contest. Based on the industry format, the competition takes place over one full day, and key industry employers are invited to form the judging panel.

This year organiser Eve Whale was delighted to have David Shields, President of the Auckland Association and recipient of the NZARH Award of Merit for service to the industry presiding as foreman judge. He was joined by Gene Cooksley (Industry Editor for TRADE Magazine and owner of Oscar & Co salon), Aaron Karam-Whalley (NZARH Competition Chairperson and member of the iconic Team 7 family), and Paul Hala (1998 Cut Above graduate, winner of the 2011 L’Oreal Colour Trophy Men’s Award, and director of Hala Hair). 

The students presented themselves professionally, the day ran smoothly and everyone was encouraged by the feedback from the judges. NZARH general Manager Angeline Thornley sent her congratulations, writing that David and Aaron were extremely impressed by the standard of work. "They also said they saw a number of models whose hairstyles would beat even senior work at the NZARH Competitions.” Gene was equally appreciative, noting the potential of Ella Macedo, one of the ‘Dream Team’ members, who placed highly in four categories.

www.cutabove.co.nz