Barber

Becoming a Barber

In South Australia, becoming a qualified barber requires completing a Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) (or an equivalent qualification).

Barbering is a regulated trade, and an apprenticeship is the only recognised pathway to becoming a barber in South Australia.

Starting Your Career in Barbering

If you are new to the industry, there are clear pathways to begin your career as a barber in South Australia.

You can start as a trainee or study while at school, completing the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) as part of your SACE, before progressing into a barbering apprenticeship.

If you complete the Certificate II while at school or as a trainee, you’ll take your first step into the world of barbering—gaining real barbershop experience and building the confidence to begin your career.

This hands-on introduction allows you to explore the industry, develop practical skills, and discover your passion, setting you up for a seamless transition into a barbering apprenticeship and a future in a creative, fast-paced profession.

From there, you can progress into a Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) as either:

• An apprentice, or

• A school-based apprentice

This pathway provides a smooth transition from school into a professional barbering career.

How long does it take to complete a traineeship?

The traineeship (Certificate II in Salon Assistant) typically takes around 12 months to complete (full-time) and includes a 30-day probationary period, during which both the employer and trainee may choose to end the arrangement.

This pathway combines paid:

• On-the-job training in a real salon or barbershop environment

• Structured off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in barbering?

A Certificate III in Barbering apprenticeship typically takes around 42 months to complete (full-time).

The apprenticeship includes a 90-day probationary period, during which both the employer and apprentice may choose to end the arrangement.

If you have previously completed the Certificate II in Salon Assistant—either as a trainee or through a Flexible Industry Program at school—you may receive credit for your existing skills and knowledge, which can support your progression and may reduce the overall duration of your apprenticeship.

How the apprenticeship works

This pathway combines paid:

• On-the-job training in a real barbershop environment

• Structured off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

This ensures you develop the practical skills, confidence, and technical knowledge required to become a qualified barber and work to industry standards.

Why an Apprenticeship is Essential

Barbering is a regulated trade in South Australia, and an apprenticeship is the only recognised and permitted pathway to becoming a qualified barber.

Through an apprenticeship, you will:

• Gain hands-on experience with real clients in a barbershop

• Learn the standards, pace, and professionalism expected in industry

• Build confidence and client relationships

• Be mentored by qualified, experienced barbers

• Develop skills aligned with real workplace expectations

This combination ensures you are job-ready and trained to industry standard.

An apprenticeship typically takes around 42 months to complete.

Alongside your on-the-job training, you will complete structured learning with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), ensuring you develop the technical knowledge that underpins your practical skills. This combination of real-world experience and formal training produces barbers who are not only qualified but also fully job-ready and capable of working to industry standards.

An apprenticeship typically takes about 42 months to complete, offering a comprehensive, immersive pathway to mastering the craft of barbering.

What to Look for in an Employer

Choosing the right employer is one of the most important decisions you will make as an apprentice barber.

A suitable employer should:

• Hold a Certificate III in Barbering (or equivalent qualification)

• Be willing to formally sign you into a Contract of Training

• Provide supervision and mentoring

• Give you opportunities to work with real clients

• Support your attendance and progress with your training provider (RTO)

• Maintain a professional, compliant barbershop environment

A strong employer will not only teach you how to cut hair — they will help you build the confidence, work ethic, and client skills needed for a successful career.

Employer Requirements

To commence an apprenticeship, your employer must:

• Hold a Certificate III in Barbering (or equivalent qualification)

• Be able to provide appropriate supervision and workplace training

• Enter into a formal Contract of Training with you

This ensures you are trained by someone who meets the professional and legal standards required in South Australia.

Legislative Requirements

These requirements align with South Australian legislation, including:

• Hairdressers Act 1998 (SA)
  https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=%2FC%2FA%2FHAIRDRESSERS%20ACT%201998

• Hairdressing Regulations 2016 (SA)
  https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=%2FC%2FR%2FHAIRDRESSING%20REGULATIONS%202016

Have you already experience as a barber but do not hold the required qualification?

Occupational Recognition Pathway

If you already have the skills and knowledge of a barber and have completed at least 42 months of industry experience, you may be eligible to apply for Occupational Recognition.

This process allows your existing skills to be formally recognised without completing a full apprenticeship.

Once granted, Occupational Recognition:

• Confirms you meet the required industry standard

• Allows you to work as a recognised barber in South Australia

• Enables you to employ and supervise apprentices

The process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, supporting experienced workers to gain formal recognition of their skills.

👉 Occupational Recognition services can be found here:
https://skillscommission.sa.gov.au/industry/recognition-of-trade-or-vocation

Getting Started

If you are interested in applying for Occupational Recognition, you can contact the South Australian Skills Commission to understand the application process and evidence requirements.

• 📧 Email: traderecognition@sa.gov.au

• 📞 Phone: 1800 006 488

Qualifications 

Pathways from school:

• Certificate II in Salon Assistant

• Certificate III in Barbering

Further study:

• Certificate III in Hairdressing

• Certificate IV in Hairdressing

• Diploma of Salon Management

• Bachelor of Business

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

• Diploma of Training and Assessment

• Bachelor of Education

I’m a barber. What do I need to know?

Once you've become a barber, effectively running your business involves more than just mastering the craft. It's also about financial literacy, leveraging social media for marketing, building strong customer relationships, and understanding local regulations. Training staff and managing human resources are crucial for maintaining high service standards and fostering a positive work environment. To stay competitive in the industry, actively seek out competitions that challenge your skills, thoroughly research their requirements, and practice essential techniques to excel. Engaging with fellow barbers for feedback and mentorship will not only refine your craft but also enhance your performance in competitions, ultimately elevating your profile within the barbering community.

Career advancement for barbers

Barbers can advance their careers by specialising in areas such as precision cutting or colouring, enhancing their skills through continuing education and certifications, and building a strong personal brand on social media. With experience, they can take on management roles or own their barbershops. Competing in industry contests can showcase their talents and create networking opportunities. Additionally, mentoring aspiring barbers and pursuing further studies to become an educator can enhance their reputation and lead to new career prospects. By exploring these paths, barbers can achieve long-term success in the industry.  

Employing Barbers in South Australia

Building a skilled and compliant team is essential to running a successful barbering business in South Australia. Understanding your responsibilities as an employer helps protect your business, your staff, and your clients.

Qualified Barbers

In South Australia, barbers are required to hold a Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) or an equivalent qualification.

As an employer, this means you MUST ensure that anyone you engage to perform barbering services is appropriately qualified. Employing unqualified individuals to carry out barbering work is not permitted under South Australian legislation, and penalties apply to both the employer and the worker.

These requirements are outlined in:

• Hairdressers Act 1998 (SA)
  https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=%2FC%2FA%2FHAIRDRESSERS%20ACT%201998

• Hairdressing Regulations 2016 (SA)
  https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=%2FC%2FR%2FHAIRDRESSING%20REGULATIONS%202016

Supporting the Next Generation – Apprentices

Employing an apprentice is a great way to grow your team and support the future of the industry.

Apprentices are employed under a Contract of Training, which includes:

• A 90-day probationary period, during which either the employer or the apprentice can choose to end the contract without penalty

• A nominal term of 42 months (full-time)

During this time, apprentices combine paid work with formal training, developing the skills required to become qualified barbers.

To ensure quality training and supervision:

• A single qualified supervisor must not supervise more than 6 apprentices or trainees at any one time

• The number of apprentices you employ should reflect your capacity to provide appropriate support and oversight

✔ Compliance Checklist

Before employing a barber or apprentice, make sure you can tick the following:

• ☐ All barbers performing services hold a Certificate III in Barbering (or equivalent)

• ☐ Apprentices are engaged under a formal Contract of Training

• ☐ You understand the 90-day probation period conditions

• ☐ You can provide adequate supervision and on-the-job training

• ☐ You do not exceed 1 supervisor to 6 apprentices

• ☐ You are familiar with your obligations under SA legislation

Your Role as an Employer

As a barbering employer, you play an important role in maintaining industry standards. This includes:

• Engaging qualified barbers or registered apprentices

• Providing supervision, guidance, and a safe working environment

• Supporting apprentices through their training journey

• Staying informed about your obligations under South Australian legislation