Minister Simon Harris opens new hairdressing salon at Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education

“Cabello”, a state of the art hairdressing salon at Coláiste Dhulaigh’s Kilbarrack campus was officially opened by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, last Tuesday June 8. 

The salon launch is part of the national hairdressing apprenticeship (NHA), designed to address the current skills shortage in the hairdressing industry.

In his address, the minister spoke about the importance of hairdressing to the nation.

He talked about how restrictions on personal services were one of the main concerns of his constituents during the covid pandemic.

CDCFE Principal Patricia O’Brien Brennan presents Minister Simon Harris with a bespoke gift by student Stephen Leahy creater of A Thatch in Time range

Minister Harris also spoke about the important role that further education plays in offering options, other than the Leaving Certificate, to people who want to go on to employment and higher education.

The event was also attended by TD Richard Bruton.

Minister Simon Harris pictured with hairdressing apprentices at the official opening of CDCFE’s new hairdressing salon Cabello

Kevin Cahill, coordinator of the hairdressing apprenticeship in CDCFE, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the staff and students on the course and spoke of the importance of the hairdressing qualification in maintaining national standards.

“The aim of the NHA at Coláiste Dhúlaigh is to improve the hairdressing industry from the ground up.

“The course supports established salons with the training of qualified hairdressers to ensure the future quality of standards in the industry”.

Kevin also thanked Mary Hickie, who retired as principal this year, but who was instrumental in working with SOLAS who provided the funding for the salon project.

The new princial of CDCFE, Patricia O’Brien Brennan presented the minister with a bespoke fairy cottage made by Entrepreneurship student Stephen Leahy who created the “A Thatch In Time” range of products.

Simon Harris TD makes a presentation to hairdressing apprentice Alex Maples

Minister Harris in turn made presentations to two hairdressing apprentices. Alex Maples who works in Cats Salon Clarendon Street, was a finalist in the prestigious L’Oreal colour trophy, while Alex Drumgoole from Zeba salon, St William Street, won The Future Talent award.

Minister Simon Harris pictured with hairdressing apprenticeship students from CDCFE in their new salon Cabello

The national hairdressing apprenticeship course at CDCFE is a three-year “day release” course.

Participants secure full time employment in salons, while the tutors at Coláiste Dhúlaigh help to equip them with the theory, skills and knowledge to work successfully in the industry.

The course is a QQI level 6 qualification which is internationally recognised.

CDCFE also runs a one year pre-apprenticeship course at QQI level 5 for applicants that do not hold the entry requirements for the apprenticeship.

Expressions of interest can be registered now at www.hairdressingapprenticeship.ie.

Coláiste Dhúlaigh is now accepting applications for courses beginning in September. Visit www.cdcfe.ie/apply to see the full range of programmes available.