Salon in search of staff

AN Edge Hill salon owner wants young people to think long term and take up a trade.

Heather Cohen of Reds Salon Edge Hill has struggled to find a hairdressing apprentice in past 12 months. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

AN Edge Hill salon owner wants young people to think long term and take up a trade.

Heather Cohen said she had spent the past six months searching for someone willing to take on a hairdressing apprenticeship at Reds Salon with no success.

She believed a push to encourage more students toward university education was behind the lack of interest.

“I’ve advertised in the Cairns Post and online, I’ve been ringing all the schools, I feel like I’ve exhausted all avenues,” Ms Cohen said.

“A year ago we’d advertise and get so many applicants – now we don’t get that many.”

Ms Cohen said she supported university education for young people but said it left few workers willing to move into a trade or work in retail.

“To be honest, in our industry the issue is our award. You can go to Kmart and Coles and earn more than a hairdresser apprentice,” she said.

“But that’s only for the first nine months.

“There are long-term benefits if you can push through that.

“You’re a qualified hairdresser within three years and then you’ve got a trade. You can travel with it and you’ve got skills you never forget.”

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