Certificate II in Salon Assistant

Thinking of a career in the hair industry but not sure where to start? If you love hairstyling and working with people, this course is a great way to explore your options and experience what a career in the industry could look like.

This course gives you hands-on experience across a range of hair services, giving you a taste of the industry before choosing a specialisation.

You'll learn in a real or simulated salon environment, gaining confidence in customer service, product knowledge, and the professional skills expected in the workplace.

As this is a one-year program, many students choose to pursue the one-year make-up program to gain experience in both the hair and beauty industries.  See VCE contribution for more details.

• how to dry hair to shape
• to provide shampoo and basin services
• hair colour product application
• how to braid hair
• provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation
• how to participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

• Barber
• Hairdresser
• Salon assistant
• Salon manager
• Stylist

This course is a great first step into the hair industry. It gives you the essential skills and experience to work in a salon environment and prepares you for further training.

After this course, you can continue your training at South West TAFE with the Certificate III in Hairdressing:

• On campus – build advanced hairdressing skills including cutting, colouring, styling, and client consultation, while training in a fully equipped salon setting
• As an apprenticeship – work in a salon while completing your training on the job, combining real industry experience with classroom learning

If barbering (men’s hair cutting and styling) is of interest to you, you can upskill in that area after completing a hairdressing qualification or you can start an apprenticeship in barbering.

SWTAFE Warrnambool campus

Thursday afternoons (1pm - 5pm) during school terms.
One day during school holidays, Monday 6 July 2026 (9am - 3pm).

Camperdown College Trade Training Centre*

Thursdays (10am - 2.30pm) during school terms.

Hamilton District Skills Centre*

Tuesday afternoons (1.30pm - 5.30pm) during school terms.

*This is an auspiced training agreement where training is delivered by a third party on behalf of SWTAFE.

This course is partial completion only. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Statement of Attainment listing the successful units completed. You may be able to use the Statement of Attainment to receive credit towards a full qualification, reducing the time and cost of further study.

VCE Vocational Major

Students undertaking this VET DSS program through the VCE Vocational Major stream will need to complete a minimum of 180 nominal hours of a VET DSS program over a 2-year period.

Credit to ATAR score - hair & make-up programs

Students undertaking this VET DSS program are eligible for credit of up to two VCE VET units on their VCE Statement of Results: two units at Unit 1-2 level. If students go on to continue the make-up program, they may eligible for credit of up to 4 VCE VET units on their VCE Statement of Results: two units at Unit 1-2 level and a Unit 3-4 sequence. Students may be entitled to 10% increment towards their VCE. You may only be eligible for to obtain the units 1-4 sequence if the hairdressing program is completed before the make-up VET DSS program. Contact your school for more information.

Any costs and fees associated with completing this course will managed directly with your school. Please contact your school for further information.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study e.g. tools of the trade, uniform, etc. Please check with your school's VET DSS coordinator to determine resource costs applicable to you.

There are 5 steps to applying for a VET DSS program with SWTAFE:

1. Look at your options - chat with your school's VET DSS Coordinator and your parents/guardians about a program that will suit you.
2. Apply - complete a short online application form
3. Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment online
4. Chat to our team - your SWTAFE teacher or course specialist will contact you to discuss the course in more detail and ensure the right units of study are selected for you.
5. Enrol - once your school approves your VET DSS application, you will be enrolled in the qualification at SWTAFE.