Barber

To become a professional barber, you must complete a SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering, which includes both theory and practical experience. In South Australia, you can complete an apprenticeship or study full-time at a Registered Training Provider.

To find out where this qualification is offered, visit the SAHBA Industry Partners such as Clip Joint Education or Hair & Beauty Courses | TAFE SA.

It typically takes 12 to 42 months to complete a Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516), depending on whether you're studying full-time, part-time, or as an apprentice.

Under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, a graduate must be paid at least 92.5% of the standard rate of a Level 3 hairdresser who holds a Certificate III in Hairdressing or equivalent.

Yes Hairdressers and barbers  are covered under the  Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020

In this award, hair and beauty industry means carrying out or performing any of the following activities:

(a) hair cutting, hairdressing, hair trimming, hair curling, hair waving, shampooing, hair working, hair dyeing; or

(b) shaving, beard trimming, or

(c) any other process or treatment of the hair, head or face carried out or performed in a hairdressing salon, including the sharpening or setting of razors; or

(d)  wig-making; or

(e) facial or body waxing; or

(f) face or head massaging; or

(g) eyebrow waxing, eyebrow tinting, eyebrow arching, eyelash tinting; or

(h) body hair removal including waxing chemical methods, electrolysis and laser hair removal; or

(i) manicures, pedicures, nail enhancement and nail artistry techniques; or

(j) make-up application, skin analysis, development of treatment plans, facial treatments including massage and other specialised treatments such as lymphatic drainage; or

(k) high-frequency body treatments including full body massage and other specialised treatments using machinery and other cosmetic applications and techniques; or

(l)  aromatherapy and the application of aromatic plant oils for beauty treatments; or

(m) using various types of electrical equipment for both body and facial treatments.

Schedule A—Classification Structure and Definitions

A.1  Hair and beauty employee level 1 means a receptionist or salon assistant.

A.2  Hair and beauty employee level 2 means:

(a) a make-up artist who holds a Certificate II in make-up services (or equivalent);

(b)  a nail technician who holds a Certificate II in Nail Technology (or equivalent); or

(c)   an unqualified beautician or cosmetologist.

A.3  Hair and beauty employee level 3 means:

(a)  a beautician who holds a Certificate III in Beauty Services (or equivalent); or

(b) a hairdresser who holds a Certificate III in Hairdressing (or equivalent).

A.4  Hair and beauty employee level 4 means a beauty therapist who holds a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (or equivalent).

A.5  Hair and beauty employee level 5 means:

(a)  a hairdresser who holds a Certificate IV (or equivalent); or

(b)  a trichologist who is a hairdresser and holds a Certificate IV in Trichology (or equivalent).

A.6 Hair and beauty employee level 6 means a beauty therapist who holds a Diploma in Beauty Therapy (or equivalent).

Hairdressing and Barbering are legislated in South Australia and are covered under the Hairdressers Act 1988 | South Australian Legislation and Hairdressers Regulations 2016 | South Australian Legislation

To work as a hairdresser or barber in South Australia you MUST hold the following qualifications or equivalent

The definition of prescribed qualifications is in section 4 of the Act; the following are declared as prescribed qualifications:

(a) Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package, endorsed on 21 March 2016; or

(b) Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) from the same training package, endorsed on 21 March 2016; or

(c) For individuals with qualifications declared under revoked regulations before these regulations commenced—those qualifications remain valid; or

(d) For individuals who had started but not completed units of competency under the revoked regulations before these regulations commenced—a certificate evidencing the successful completion of those units after the new regulations commenced.

There are two ways to have your skills recognised in South Australia.

Recognition of Prior Learning by applying to a registered training provider who delivers the qualification you can apply for RPL in Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)  or Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516).

Secondly under the Hairdressers Act 1988 | South Australian Legislation:

4A — Recognition by Commissioner of a qualified person.

(1) The Commissioner may, on application under this section, determine that the applicant has qualifications, training or experience that the Commissioner considers appropriate to carry on the practice of hairdressing.

(2) An application must be made in the manner and form approved by the Commi(3) For the purposes of making a determination on an application under this section, the Commissioner may require the

(a)  records or information be provided by the applicant in support of the application; and

(b) all or any part of the application, or any supporting records or information, be verified by statutory declaration.

The South Australian Skills Commission is excited to announce that applications will soon open for people looking to have their experience recognised in relation to a particular trade or vocation.

The trade recognition process is for people living in South Australia who have been working in trades or declared vocations, who have not obtained a trade or vocation qualification under a training contract. Please visit this link for the complete list of eligible trades and vocations: Traineeship and Apprenticeship Pathway Schedule.

If you are interested in applying, please email traderecognition@sa.gov.au and we will provide you with information about the application process and evidence required. This will ensure you’re ready to apply when applications open.

For further information, please call us on 1800 006 488 or Recognition of trade or vocation - South Australian Skills Commission.

Key skills include:

Creativity: Styling and grooming techniques.

Communication: Understanding client needs and offering advice.

Precision: Ensuring accuracy in cutting, trimming, and shaving.

Technical expertise: Mastery of tools and barbering techniques.

In South Australia, barbers do not need a license, but they must hold the prescribed qualification under the Hairdressers Act 1988. Penalties apply for practicing without the required qualifications.

Barbers can earn between $50,000 and $60,000 per year, with potential increases for those who own their businesses or work in premium barbershops.

Barbers often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Full-time barbers typically work 35-40 hours per week, while part-time or freelance barbers may have more variable schedules.

Career progression options include:

• Becoming a Senior Barber or Barbershop Manager.

• Opening your own barbershop.

• Specializing in advanced techniques like beard grooming or male grooming services.

• Becoming a barbering educator or working in fashion or media as a session stylist.

Common challenges include:

• Building a loyal clientele: Maintaining consistent business.

• Physical strain: Long hours of standing and repetitive movements.

• Staying current: Keeping up with grooming trends and new techniques.

Yes, barbers can specialise in areas such as beard grooming, precision cutting, or even men’s skincare. Specialising often requires additional training and certification.

Yes, managing or owning a barbershop requires business skills in marketing, finance, and staff management. Many barbers complete further training, such as a Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216), to gain these skills.

Absolutely. Barbering trends, tools, and techniques evolve regularly. Staying up to date by attending workshops, courses, and industry events helps barbers maintain their competitiveness and offer the best services to their clients.