Certificate II in Salon Assistant
SHB20216
Length
6 Months (full time)
2 Years (part time)
Certificate II in Salon Assistant - SHB20216
Course Overview
Looking to start a career in the exciting world of hairdressing? The Certificate II in Salon Assistant is the perfect qualification to start.
This preparatory course is designed to provide students with a range of basic skills and knowledge used in hairdressing salons. Participants will learn how to assist with client services by completing routine tasks under the direct supervision and guidance of hairdressers who manage the client service.
While this qualification does not provide a job outcome as a hairdresser, it will prepare graduates for some salon-based roles and/or further training and education in the industry.
This course can be delivered as part of GOTAFE’s VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) program. Students interested in undertaking this course need to enrol through their school.
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This course will prepare students to work in the hair and beauty industry as a Salon Assistant or equivalent (Front of House, Reception etc.) in a hairdressing team.
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in:
Course details
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires 12 units: 8 core and 4 elective.
Core units
8 unit(s)
- BSBWHS201 Contribute to health and safety of self and others
- SHBHBAS001 Provide shampoo and basin services
- SHBHDES001 Dry hair to shape
- SHBHIND001 Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas
- SHBXCCS001 Conduct salon financial transactions
- SHBXCCS003 Greet and prepare clients for salon services
- SHBXIND001 Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
- SHBXIND002 Communicate as part of a salon team
Elective units
5 unit(s)
- SHBHBAS002 Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation
- SHBHCLS001 Apply hair colour products
- SHBHDES002 Braid hair
- SHBXCCS004 Recommend products and services
- SIRRINV001 Receive and handle retail stock
Attendance & commitment
VDSS blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus one day per week (6.5 hours per day).
- Spend approximately 2-3 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
VDSS single unit of competency | 4 weeks course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus one day per week (6.5 hours per day).
- Spend approximately 2-3 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods
may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Assignments
- Observation checklists
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- GOTAFE recommends students complete their Certificate II in Salon Assistant before undertaking their Certificate III in Hairdressing /Barbering.
- Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through their School's VET Coordinator or Careers Advisor.
Industry requirements
Students must have:
- The ability to work in a very interactive physical environment.
- Good communication skills.
- The ability to work autonomously.
Employment in this industry will require employees to work long hours and do weekend work.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet, access to YouTube, with latest Windows and programs including Google Chrome and Adobe Reader. Please note that Macs are not suitable for this course.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
- Hairdressing kits need to be purchased in addition to material fees (VDSS kits are included in material fees only).
- Students must wear closed-in practical shoes. Black dress pants are to be worn under the GOTAFE T-shirt (supplied by GOTAFE).
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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