BEAUTY BUSINESS: The Cut Above Academy offers a range of NZQA-approved qualifications in hairdressing, barbering, cosmetology, make-up artistry and beauty and spa therapies.
People are working harder and longer these days, and global research indicates a boom in personal health and beauty services.
The Cut Above Academy offers a range of NZQA-approved qualifications in hairdressing, barbering, cosmetology, make-up artistry and beauty and spa therapies, which meet industry and learner needs.
Preparing for the
workforce is the most important step in your life, says Rosemarie Darby, industry liaison officer for the Cut Above Academy. ``Salon and spa owners appreciate the benefits of hiring people who have the skills to earn their place in a busy workplace, and most of our graduates have jobs to go to straight after course completion.''
Cut Above hairdressing graduates have been making their mark in the industry for more than a decade.
Training begins with the first-year certificate in hairdressing Level 3, which takes a novice to the level of salon technician. Students can finish their training in the second-year certificate in hairdressing Level 4, or in an apprenticeship with reduced hours. Training at Level 4 provides graduates with the confidence to work as a competent tradesperson. The focus is on cutting, styling and technical skills, combined with creative flair, communication and the know-how to put it all together.
The classes are small and tuition is divided between lectures and the academy salon, where students train on real clients. They learn the basic principles of small business and develop their own creative identity, learning how to style hair for competitions, fashion catwalk and photography. After two years they're ready to join the workforce and sit their final assessment with the Hairdressing Industry Training Organisation for the national certificate in hairdressing.
The barbering trade is undergoing a revival. Cut Above now offers the national certificate in barbering. Training is full-time and lasts a year, after which graduates are fully qualified to take their place in the industry. Tuition is divided between lectures and the professional Cut Above Barbershop, where students master the classic skills of scissor and clipper cutting, facial hair styling and wet-shaving, combined with new and sophisticated trends in contemporary men's styling.
Cut Above also offers NZQA-approved national qualifications in beauty therapy. Training at Level 4 covers beautician services, including skin analysis, make-up, waxing, manicure, pedicure, nutrition, health studies and facial techniques.
