It’s hard to imagine many 15 year olds having a clear focus of what they want to do with their life, but first year apprentice Taylor Shaw is already certain he wants a long career in the hairdressing industry.
The enthusiastic and cheerful teenager is now six months into his Certificate III in Hairdressing and very much enjoying his daily work routine at Rogue Hair in Clayfield, Brisbane.
BUSY At Work Career and Placement Advisor, Lynda Green said while it was not a common sight to see someone so young working in the hairdressing field it was great to see Taylor performing well in his chosen career.
“Taylor was completing a school-based hairdressing apprenticeship but wasn’t able to secure a full time position. He was really keen to leave school after completing Year 10. The Industry Liaison Officer from the school contacted us and as luck would have it I had an employer in Rogue Hair who wanted an early school leaver,” Ms Green said.
Rogue Hair owner Michele Hogan said she had employed a number of young male apprentices over the years and Taylor had impressed her at the interview.
“He was really keen and I knew he would relate well with the customers so after giving him a trial I was very happy to sign him up,” Ms Hogan said.
To help make the transition to work easier for Taylor, Michele also researched the train connections and organised transport with his family allowing him to work back late on Thursday nights.
As part of his initial training Taylor has been learning about hair shampooing and blow drying, cleaning, customer service, making appointments and answering phone calls.
“Taylor is very inquisitive and always asks questions. He has shown a great work ethic and always fits in very well with our clients and the other team members. We are very keen to see him have a successful career in the hairdressing industry,” Ms Hogan said.
Taylor said he first got interested in hairdressing after cutting his brother’s hair with clippers at home.
“I felt it was something I could really enjoy. I love the hands-on aspect of the job and being able to interact with the customers. One day I would like to have my own salon,” Taylor said.
Taylor said he had received plenty of support from both his parents as well as his friends.
“My mum especially has been incredibly encouraging and excited to see me working in a job I am very passionate about,” Taylor added.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said that BUSY was delighted to support employers who were willing to give young people like Taylor an opportunity to work in their chosen career.
“Taylor has a very positive attitude and knows what he wants to achieve in his career. He has a great work ethic and with the right training and mentoring, he will make a valuable contribution not only to his employer but to the hairdressing industry as a whole.”
“I’m looking forward to following Taylor’s career pathway and I am sure he has a bright future ahead of him,” Mr Miles said.
BUSY At Work provides a range of free career pathway and recruitment tools for employers and job seekers. To find out more information about apprenticeships and traineeships contact BUSY’s Career and Placement Advisors on 13 28 79 or visit www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara,
Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960
leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
