TAFE NSW has partnered with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA), Keune and Airyday to launch a new course to upskill hairdressers, barbers and beauticians with the techniques to recognise suspicious spots and how to speak up if they see spots that concern them.

All currently TAFE NSW apprentices in Cert III Barbering, Hairdressing and Cert IV Beauty can access the online course for free.

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For the broader hairdressing, barbering and beauty workforce the course is $50, with profits going back to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.

Coffs Harbour Education Campus’ Hairdressing and Beauty Head Teacher, Alison Jones told News Of The Area, “It’s exciting that Coffs Harbour TAFE hair and beauty apprentices will be able to access the Spot a Spot course as part of their training.

“We know that the Coffs Coast region is a hot spot for melanoma, which is why it’s so important to empower our local hair and beauty workforce with the skills to confidently speak up if they spot something.

“Whether you’ve been in the industry for 20 years or are just starting, the course offers practical strategies on what to look for and how to discuss any concerns with your clients,” she said.

This is the first course to specifically target the hair and beauty industry and the industry’s frontline role in early awareness and prevention of skin cancer.

“We’re excited to offer current TAFE NSW Hairdressing, Barbering, and Certificate IV in Beauty apprentices free places to study the courses, so we can get a jumpstart in upskilling the next generation on starting what could be a lifesaving conversation in our communities across NSW.”

Maureen Harding, the National President of industry association HABA said, “I’ve been a hairdresser for 50 years and have had these conversations with my clients, including ones that turned out to have lifesaving outcomes.

“What’s great about this course is that it can be completed in an hour and on a mobile device.

“It offers practical information about what makes a spot suspicious, and different ways to start a conversation with a client about a subject that can be very scary.”

Dr Wayne Harvey from the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation said the survival rate from advanced melanoma has improved over the last decade, largely due to improvements in detection and treatment.

“We know 90 percent of melanomas can be treated successfully if caught early.

“Early detection is associated with high survival rates.

“Hairdressers and barbers are in regular contact with their clients and access hard-to-see spots, so they are very well placed to recognise skin changes,” said Dr Harvey.

To find out more about ‘Spot a Spot’ visit www.tafensw.edu.au/spot-a-spot.

By Andrea FERRARI