Hairdressing Jobs in South Africa - A Great Career Option

There are many opportunities for hairdressing jobs in South Africa. A simple Google search for hairdressing jobs in South Africa listed over one hundred ads. This is no surprise given that hairdressers - also known as hair stylists - are in a recession proof industry; people need their hair cut and styled regardless of the economy. 

 

Duties of a Hairdresser

The duties of a hairdresser are varied. It starts with the simple cutting of the hair. There are different styles and lengths of hair and hairdressers need to know how to achieve the desired look. Additional duties include shampooing, tinting, and perming. Shampoos include both washing of hair and the use of hair conditioners to clean and provide texture to the hair. Tinting refers to changing the color of the hair. Perming is adding of curls and waves to hair. A qualified hairdresser is able to do all of these. Beyond these tasks, a hair dresser needs to keep a hygienic work station, have a pleasant personality, and be able to keep accurate records.

 

Career Opportunities in Hairdressing

Hairdressing is often thought of as a woman's domain, but that would be false. Both men and women become hair stylists and both men and women go to hair styling salons. Their career typically starts in a neighbourhood hair salon but once they become experienced, many move to new settings.

 

Neighbourhood Hair salons -  

Typically, one would begin their hairdressing career as a stylist working in a neighbourhood salon where they work with local residents providing hair care activities. Here they learn the basics of hairdressing. Most work as independent contractors, renting a chair from the salon owner.

Salon Owner -  

This is the most logical extension of a hair stylist's career. They know how to style hair, now they want to ensure their skills can optimize their income. As a business owner, they can earn money from the efforts of the hair stylists in addition to their own work. A salon owner is a business person, and as such they are responsible for leases, business licences, insurance, record-keeping and complying with all regulatory agencies. A business owner's potential income is only limited by the number of stylists they can keep busy.

Institutions -  

There are many government and private institutions that require resident hairdressers. Hairdressers can be either employees of the institution or they may be independent contractors providing hair care services to residents of that institution. These institutions include seniors' centres, hospitals, and prisons.

 

Spas -  

Hairdressers are an integral part of spa, their goal is to enhance one' self-image through improving their appearance. These spas are located throughout the world in international resorts, in city centres and business class hotels. One interesting option is cruise ships. These ships take cruisers on tours to exotic locations. Part of the cruising experience is the spa experience, hairdressers are essential to that experience.

 

Becoming a Hairdresser in South Africa

Become a hairdresser there are private colleges that offer hairdressing programs. It is important to ensure that they are SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) sanctioned. One could be trained privately but the SAQA diploma allows for better compensation and more opportunities. Initially, hairdressers would want to complete levels 2 and 3. Level 4 is for those who wish to own their own salon. Alternatively, one could start working in a salon with no formal training and apprentice under a hair dressing professional.

 

Statistics

For entry level hairdresser jobs in South Africa, pay starts at R18,000 (South African Rand) per year. After five years, the median wage for hairdressers in South Africa is R160,000 if they are working in a salon, R305,000 if they own the salon.

Find out More About Chef Training Jobs in South Africa:

To become a chef, there are two varying methods. The first method is to attend a culinary school, which can be costly, and the second method is to work as a sous chef under the training of a professional chef. Due to this factor, in South Africa there is a need for chef trainers. It should be noted that as compared to other jobs, chef training jobs are not as high in demand. 

 

What does a chef trainer do? 

 

A chef trainer is responsible for training an employee the skills, tools and techniques needed to become a professional chef. Chef training is often done in a kitchen styled classroom and students are provided with the equipment needed to learn the skills of a chef; however, a chef trainer is also known to work within a restaurant training employee’s specifics of the company. As a chef trainer, their primary purpose also includes the following; campus audits, moderation and assessment of lecturers, identifying training needs and manage, co-ordinate, plan, deliver and monitor training. 

 

How to become a chef trainer

There are three steps in which to follow in order to become a chef trainer. These steps are as follows; complete culinary education, gain work experience and earn certification. Steps one and two can be conducted as the same time as it is possible to attend classes and work to gain experience simultaneously. Step one is to complete culinary school. Around the world, there are numerous culinary schools including classes at your local community college. Step two is to gain experience which can be done by working as a sous chef under the guidance of an executive, or head, chef. This can be a paid for job or one worked as an apprentice (non-paid). The final step, earn certification, can be done by attending courses for food safety and becoming certified. 

 

Career benefits 

 

The benefits of becoming a chef jobs include the following; summer’s and weekends off, paid time off including vacation time, healthcare benefits and retirement plans. A chef trainer also receives numerous discounts within the community for being a member of a school. 

 

Statistics relative to South Africa 

 

While the demand for a chef trainer is not as high as other jobs in South Africa, there are still positions open. The salary for a chef jobs depends solely upon his, or her, experience, certifications held and ability to instruct others. For those looking to become a chef trainer in South Africa, keep in mind that many organizations will pay room and board for those willing to travel.

Chef Jobs in South Africa - What do the involve?

In South Africa, chef, and sous chef, jobs currently remain in high demand. The types of chef jobs available in South Africa include the following; executive chef, head chef, sous chef and pastry chef. Oftentimes, chef jobs in South Africa require the proper training and previous experience in fine dining. Listed below are the duties of a chef, how to become a chef, career opportunities as a chef and statistics relative to chef jobs in South Africa.

What does a chef do?

An executive chef is responsible for preparing, cooking and presenting the foods of a restaurant or catering service. Oftentimes, working hand in hand with a head chef and a sous chef, an executive chef holds the responsibility of ensuring that his team of professionals are performing at their very best. An executive chef is also responsible for preparing a daily menu and creating a list of the items needed to be ordered.

How to become a chef

There are two various ways in which to become a chef. A chef can either attend a culinary school and or he, or she, can train under the watchful eye of an executive chef. This is often referred to as an apprentice position; therefore, time committed is offered free of charge. The payments received from holding an apprentice position are the skills, and experience, taken with you.

For those looking to attend culinary school, there are numerous locations worldwide in which to attend. Prices of these schools are known to vary and oftentimes classes can be taken at a community college; however, it is likely that the more you pay for a culinary degree the more you will earn once you begin your career.

Career benefits

As a chef, there are a wide variety of benefits that come with the title. Depending upon your title as a chef, some of the benefits received are as follows; the ability to create your own schedule, the right to hire and fire staff members and the capability of creating personalized menus. Other smaller benefits to holding a chef jobs include; room for advancement, paid vacation/ time off and a rewarding working environment.
Statistics relative to South Africa

The rate of pay of a chef varies depending upon the title. For instance, the median salary for an executive chef is around $98,000 a year and the median salary for a head chef is around $55,000 per year. As a sous chef in South Africa, the expectant salary is anywhere from $49,000 – $250,000 per year. This depends solely on the amount of experience the chef  has and the company he, or she, is working for. The salary of a pastry chef is similar to the salary of a sous chef as its median salary has a large range and demands solely upon experience and the company him, or her, is working for.