Skills on Wheels rolls in to cut hair and costs

Victoria University's new mobile barber and hairdressing bus rolled into VU's Werribee campus to provide free haircuts as part of the Trades Activation Day for apprentices.

The cuts, trims and fades will be provided by TAFE students on the Skills on Wheels truck, which is fitted out with three fully equipped barbering stations, a shampoo basin, flat screen TV, and barber poles and an accessibility lift. 

So far, the pop-up barbershop has provided over 200 free cuts to people in need, across a number of locations and events based in the west of Melbourne.

The 8m-long truck pulled into Trades Activation Day and instantly attracted a crowd. VU Acting Manager - Hair, Beauty and Massage, Michael Daskalakis, said the main aim was to provide free barbering services to people and communities in need while giving students valuable real-world experience working with a diverse range of clients. 

"VU Skills on Wheels is more than just a mobile barbershop,” he said. “It's a learning environment, a community service, and an opportunity for our students to build confidence and industry-ready skills while making a positive impact in the community. 

“It can be expensive to go to a hairdresser these days, so we want to provide some relief to those who may not be able to afford it right now.”  

He said barbering educators had obtained their truck licenses so they could drive the vehicle to community events. 

The mobile salon will also operate as a skills training vehicle for young people and provide pathways into education. 

He said the team hoped to take Skills on Wheels to community events across Melbourne in future.  

“By bringing barbering services directly to those who need them most, we can create meaningful community connections while providing students with industry experience unlike any other classroom environment,” he said. 

For 22 year-old barbering student, Bridget Johns, the course is a ticket to adventure. “Once I graduate, I can pretty much work anywhere in the world. Barbering is a skill that offers so many pathways. I’m excited to graduate in December and start my new career.”