TAFE teacher makes the cut
A TRIP to the hair salon can leave you looking and feeling a million bucks. That’s because hairdressers can transform not only how a person looks, but how they feel.
It’s one of the reasons why TAFE Queensland hairdressing teacher Paul Pardini is passionate about the industry.
On the eve of World Teachers’ Day on October 26, Paul is also celebrating 10 years as a hairdressing teacher at TAFE Queensland Cairns campus.
“Hairdressing can be so enriching,” Paul says.
“I love seeing students develop and gain a skill for life and it’s also amazing to see how a positive hairdressing experience can empower clients.”
He also volunteers his services through Anglicare, styling the hair of homeless people and those down on their luck.
“I volunteer two hours a week to cut hair for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to visit a salon.
“These haircuts help people prepare for a job interview or support a family doing it tough. By the end of the appointment, you can see their confidence and self-worth has improved.
“It’s a very powerful experience to help change someone’s appearance and make them feel better about themselves.”
Paul said he enjoyed mentoring apprentices while working as a hairdresser.
“I understand the importance of quality training, so it made sense to become a teacher. It’s vital hairdressers receive the right training.”
Berry Lane Hair apprentice Jay Considine said Paul was a great teacher who was always happy to share his industry knowledge.
“Paul is always positive and encouraging with each and every student and brings a lot of energy and excitement to our lessons, which is infectious,” she said.
Now he is ready to bring more through a Certificate III in Men’s Barbering next year.
“I recently celebrated my 10th anniversary with TAFE Queensland and it got me thinking about the progress I’ve made as a teacher and how I can contribute even more to my students’ learning experience,” Paul said.
“Hairdressing can provide exciting career opportunities and qualified stylists can take their skills and live and work anywhere in the world.”
TAFE Qld North Region acting general manager Ian Smythe said Paul was a wonderful ambassador for TAFE, representing it at regional and national competitions as a team leader and judge.
“World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to acknowledge our teachers and say thanks for the significant contributions they make in our classrooms and communities,” he said.