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National Apprenticeship Week Australia (NAWA) is an annual, week-long observance that promotes the importance of apprenticeships and traineeships across Australia, and for all sectors.The week is designed to raise awareness among employers, job seekers, industry bodies, training providers, and government about the vital role apprenticeships play in building skills, supporting industries, and contributing to Australia’s economy.The Creative Skills Retail Council (CSRC) proudly shows its support for National Apprenticeship Week Australia, running 9–15 February, and welcomes the opportunity to reinforce an important message - this is an inclusive national observance for apprentices and trainees across all sectors, not just traditional trades.An inclusive celebration of skills, careers, and opportunity National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the thousands of apprentices, trainees, educators, and employers who keep Australian industries moving and help shape the skills that drive our economy.From construction and manufacturing to hospitality, retail, health, personal services, and beyond, apprenticeships and traineeships provide structured, supported pathways into meaningful, sustainable careers. They are a cornerstone of workforce development and a critical lever in addressing Australia’s ongoing skills shortages.For the hair, barber, and makeup sectors, apprenticeships are more than training pathways - they are the foundation of a skilled, professional, and future-ready workforce.They create real opportunities for people to build long-term careers, develop technical and creative excellence, and grow commercial capability within businesses. Just as importantly, they support salon business owners and employers by developing talent from within and strengthening industry standards.Investing in apprentices is investing in the long-term strength of our industry, our businesses, and our communities and support for employers must remain an equal priority across all sectors to ensure apprenticeships are sustainable, achievable, and successful for everyone involved.How you can show your support this week?National Apprenticeship Week is also about visibility and recognition. Everyone can play a part and here are a couple of suggestions:1. Giving a shout-out to apprentices and trainees in your workplace 2. Sharing success stories and career journeys on social media 3. Acknowledging the educators, mentors, and employers who support apprentices 4. Highlighting the importance of apprentices to the future of your business and the industryThis week, CSRC celebrates apprentices across the hair and beauty industry, and the people who are teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation of creative professionals. #thankyou #nawaSource: https://www.nationalapprenticeshipweek.com.au/

Supporting National Apprenticeship Week Australia: 9-15 February

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The Fair Work Ombudsman has shared this helpful link to support you over the festive period - <a data-mce-href="https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/our-services-over-the-holiday-period" href="https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/our-services-over-the-holiday-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VIEW HERE</a>You’ll find tools and resources covering items such as:1. Rules and entitlements for employees working (or not working) on public holidays 2. Pay guidance to help calculate minimum rates for Christmas and seasonal casual hires 3. Information on shutdown periods and leave options for employeesIt's important to check the relevant resources before making decisions.

Fair Work Resources to Support You Over the Festive Break

Huge congratulations to the 2026 Skillaroos as they prepare for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, taking place 22–27 September 2026 in Shanghai.A special shout-out to the Social and Personal Services categories, proudly showcasing valuable skills that drive careers across both hospitality and personal services.&nbsp;Well done to every competitor, and an extra congratulations to Larni Roberts of Zedz Hair Salon and Alesandria Tipi of Eco Beauty Lounge Alice Springs. What an incredible achievement and we are cheering you on as you take this next remarkable step.Since 1981, WorldSkills Australia has championed skills excellence and helped more than 100,000 people compete in national and international skill competitions. Underpinning their passion is the knowledge and drive that skills grow careers - a message deeply aligned with CSRC’s commitment to capability, creativity and lifelong learning.The Creative Skills Retail Council proudly celebrates this national achievement and the role WorldSkills continues to play in shaping the future of skilled careers.Meet the 2026 Skillaroos team - <a data-mce-href="https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/" href="https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>&nbsp;Image Source: <a href="https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/">https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/</a>

WorldSkills 2026: Celebrating Australia’s Rising Stars in Personal Services

<h2>Consumer Insights and Retail Trends</h2>The mid-year CSRC Snapshot Report - is in the member portal and the next one is about to drop this month (December)!This report offers a timely analysis of consumer behaviour, retail sector dynamics, and the key challenges facing hair, beauty and barbering businesses across Australia. Drawing on national data and industry sources, the report provides valuable insights to help operators navigate changing spending patterns and competitive pressures. It covers four core areas: <ol><li>Small business and Sector Overview</li><li>Business Operational and Financial Challenges</li><li>The Battle for the Consumer Dollar</li><li>Key Lessons, Implications and Strategy Suggestions</li></ol>Sanphot is designed to support members with strategic context and practical takeaways in an evolving market. Members can access the latest CSRC Snapshop in the member portal.<figure id="figure-6j4u0zumuxmdv2uvza"><img id="6j4u0zumuxmdv2uvza" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39rIaJ7K9aEc25Ec7x5lrQXUYzePb8dKfSRXN0QETtKzaMetbtFe2G5BGLZdvURs.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39rIaJ7K9aEc25Ec7x5lrQXUYzePb8dKfSRXN0QETtKzaMetbtFe2G5BGLZdvURs.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

CSRC Snapshot

Following significant legislative reforms across Australia, employers are now required to treat psychological health with the same seriousness as physical safety. This includes psychological harms such as aggression, workplace fatigue, bullying and harassment.From 1 December 2025, Victoria introduced new psychological health and safety regulations, bringing the state into line with other jurisdictions and reinforcing employers’ duty to proactively identify, assess and manage psychological risks, not simply respond once harm has occurred.Meeting these obligations ultimately comes down to prioritising the wellbeing of your people. A healthy workplace culture is not only compliant, it is more productive, sustainable and it's not optional.At Creative Skills Retail Council, our suite of professional development courses and resources is included for all members, supporting businesses with the skills needed to foster healthy workplaces that support both people and performance - <a href="https://mycsrc.org/">https://mycsrc.org/</a>Read the release applicable to Victoria - <a data-mce-href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-regulations-start-today-protect-workers" href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-regulations-start-today-protect-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>Further information can be found via Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Victoria and state and territory regulators.

Psychological Safety Matters Amid Significant Legislative Reforms

The Federal Government announced on 1 December, 2025 that incentive payments for many apprenticeships will be reduced from 1 January 2026.In a joint statement, Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth and Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles confirmed that a new payment will be introduced for employers of apprentices training in Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) occupations - the skilled workforce needed to meet clean-energy and housing targets. However, support for other priority apprenticeships (non KAP) will be significantly scaled back. Read the full statement - <a data-mce-href="https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/rishworth/apprentice-support-key-sectors-extended" href="https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/rishworth/apprentice-support-key-sectors-extended" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>

News

Supporting National Apprenticeship Week Australia: 9-15 F...

Fair Work Resources to Support You Over the Festive Break

WorldSkills 2026: Celebrating Australia’s Rising Stars in...

CSRC Snapshot

Psychological Safety Matters Amid Significant Legislative...

Incentives available to eligible Australian Apprentices a...