Get your Grooming Qualification
Your Trainer
Tara has been in the Pet Industry for 12 years, focusing on Training and Development of groomers for the past 7 years. In her previous role she was responsible for 190 Groomers within the Industry in a corporate environment. She then took this experience and began working for Heiniger Academy as the Grooming Manager in 2020.
Tara has been responsible for the development Modules and Assessments of the ACM30122 Qualification for Heiniger Academy, along with the other Courses that Heiniger Academy provide their students.
Grooming competitions became a passion in 2019 and numerous placings have been awarded in the highest level of competition. 2024 Tara joined the Dogs Australia Grooming Commitee representing QLD, working towards elevating the Grooming Competitions in Australia.
Tara holds a Cert IV TAE and Cert IV in Pet Styling and is an Accredited Mental Health First Aid officer.
About Cute as a Button Training Centre
Cute as a Button Dog Grooming Training Centre works in conjunction with Heiniger Academy, giving its students a Nationally Recognised Qualification in ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) in Far North Queensland.
The course is spilt into two training elements, Theory and Practical.
The theory is provided by Heiniger Academy and taught through an online training platform called Talent. Students have 12 months from the date of their enrolment to complete the online training. They will also be allocated a student liaison who will help assist them on their journey.
As part of the online theory, students are allocated Modules (learning materials) and the Assessments that are required to be completed for the formal qualification. Students will also complete a Grooming Diary (Portfolio) of dogs that they will have access to during practical training.
The Practical Training is the hands-on side of the course. Students are taught correct ways to approach and handle pets, to determine different coat types and what is the appropriate way to groom these coat types, choosing the correct tool for the job, skin and coat problems and of course how to groom a pet safely.
The Practical element of the course can be tailored to suit the student. Those with previous grooming experience may wish to complete a shorter course targeting areas they wish to focus on or just do the Grooming Diary.
Those with no previous grooming experience courses are done on a part time basis, generally 1 day per week, covering 150 hours approx. in total.
At the completion of this course students will hold a Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) and will have the skills and knowledge to perform grooms using correct animal handling techniques, ensuring each pets safety, as well as pets looking cute and smelling great.
Course Outline
THEORY ONLY provided by Heiniger Academy – $2225
Core Units:
Elective Units (Chosen by the Training Centre):
Theory and Practical Training (Part Time)
Theory provided by Heiniger Academy covering the units mentioned above.
Practical training over a Part Time basis of 1 day per week, up to 150 hours approx.
Grooming Portfolio will be created with a minimum of 11 dogs, used for your assessment and can be used to show a portfolio of your work.
Cost – $10,995 (Does not include the $2225 fee to Heiniger Academy for the theory component)
For more information on the Heiniger Academy Visit:
Why choose Cute as a Button
Prefer not to hold the Formal Qualification
These courses are suited for those that are ready to get into the Grooming Industry but don't desire to hold a Nationally Recognised Certificate in Grooming. You will receive an internal Cute as a Button Dog Grooming Certificate of Recognition for your work.
Bath, Dry and Brush Course
This course is perfect for those that want an introduction into the Grooming Industry and employment as a bather within a Salon environment.
4-day hands on course covering:
Cost – $2250
Students may wish to complete the theory and assessment of the unit ACMGRM201 and ACMGRM403 at an additional fee. This completion would give you a Statement of Attainment for the unit and a Credit Transfer if you wished to complete a Certificate III in Pet Grooming later.
Beginner Groomer Course
This course is perfect for those with previous bathing experience or those with some grooming experience that want to further develop their skill set and handling skillings.
4-day hands on course covering:
Cost – $2500
Students may wish to complete the theory and assessment of the units ACMGRM303 and ACMGRM304 at an additional fee. This completion would give you a Statement of Attainment for the unit/s and a Credit Transfer if you wished to complete a Certificate III in Pet Grooming later.
Intensive Groomer Course
For students wanting to further enhance their current skill set. Focusing on key areas of concerns for individuals or a particular area they would like to further develop.
4-day hands on course covering:
Cost – $2500
Students may wish to complete the theory and assessment of the unit ACMGRM305 at an additional fee. This completion would give you a Statement of Attainment for the unit and a Credit Transfer if you wished to complete a Certificate III in Pet Grooming later.
Private Lessons
Private lessons fully tailored to your needs, either within our Salon or we can travel to you.
*Price based on individual requirements*
Business Owner Mentorship
Before moving to Cairns, Tara was in a supporting role for the Salons of a large corporate company. She was responsible not only for the training and development of skills for all groomers, but also business training development for the Salon Management teams.
In this role Tara focused on developing the skill set of Salon Managers to implement better workforce planning, booking management skills, team training and learning to work together, mitigation of the daily workflow, understanding the profit and loss reports, consumables management, repair and maintenance budgets and the overall productivity of the salon.
If you would like further support or would like some insights on new ways to help your business grow, Tara will be more than happy to give you some advice on ways to achieve this.
*Price based on individual requirements*
