Simon Harris encourages hairdressers to take on apprentices 

The Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has asked that any hairdressers rebuilding their business after a difficult few years to consider taking on an apprentice.

Noting the skills shortage within the industry, he also encouraged anyone considering hairdressing as a career to avail of the national apprenticeship programme,which allows students to earn as they learn.

The Minister was speaking at the opening of the new salon in Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education in Kilbarrack, which is one of the colleges offering a hairdressing apprenticeship programme as part of the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship.

The programme complements in-salon training, while aiming to increase the apprentice’s personal and academic confidence.

This is Coláiste Dhúlaigh’s second salon, with the new state-of-the-art training facility reflecting current standards and requirements.

“Currently there is a skills shortage in hairdressing and many salons are struggling to find suitably qualified hairdressers to sustain and grow their business,” said Minister Harris.

“I would take this opportunity to ask hairdressers rebuilding after a difficult year to consider taking on an apprentice. To any man or woman considering hairdressing as a career, consider availing of a national apprenticeship programme that allows you to earn while you learn. We are delighted to officially launch this new training facility in Kilbarrack as part of the apprenticeship programme.”