Get your Grooming Qualification
Your Trainer
Tara has been in the Pet Industry for 15 years, focusing on Training and Development of groomers for the past 9 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
Nationally Recognised Pet Grooming Training in Learmonth, Near Ballarat
Located in Learmonth, just 20 minutes from Ballarat, Cute as a Button Dog Grooming is proud to partner with Heiniger Academy as an approved Training Centre for the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming). Together, we provide students with the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while developing the practical skills and confidence required for a successful career in the pet grooming industry.
Course Structure
The Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) consists of two components: online theory and practical training.
Online Theory
The theory component is delivered by Heiniger Academy through the aXcelerate online learning platform.
Students have 12 months from their enrolment date to complete the theory at their own pace, allowing flexibility around work and family commitments.
Throughout the course, each student is supported by a dedicated Student Liaison who provides guidance, answers questions and assists them throughout their learning journey.
The online learning includes:
- Interactive learning modules
- Knowledge assessments
- Case studies and role plays
- Practical evidence requirements
- A Grooming Diary (Portfolio) completed during practical training
Practical Training
The practical component is delivered at Cute as a Button Dog Grooming in Learmonth and focuses on developing the hands-on skills required to become a professional dog groomer.
Students learn how to:
- Safely approach, handle and restrain dogs using low-stress handling techniques.
- Identify different coat types and select the most appropriate grooming methods.
- Use grooming equipment safely and effectively.
- Recognise common skin and coat conditions.
- Perform bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring and breed styling techniques.
- Maintain professional salon hygiene, workplace safety and animal welfare standards.
- Deliver a positive grooming experience while ensuring every dog’s health, comfort and wellbeing.
Training is delivered in a supportive, real salon environment, allowing students to gain practical experience with a variety of breeds, coat types and grooming styles.
Flexible Training Pathways
Practical training can be tailored to suit each student’s experience and career goals.
Experienced Groomers
Students who already have grooming experience and access to suitable dogs may only require targeted practical training or support to complete their Grooming Diary and practical assessment requirements.
Students New to Grooming
Students entering the industry with little or no grooming experience undertake a structured practical training program designed to progressively develop their confidence, knowledge and practical skills. Practical training is typically completed over 152–190 hours, depending on the student’s chosen training pathway and learning needs.
Graduate Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming), a nationally recognised qualification.
Graduates will have the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to work safely and professionally within the pet grooming industry. They will be able to groom a wide variety of breeds using low-stress handling techniques while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, coat care and workplace safety.
Whether your goal is to work in a professional grooming salon, establish your own grooming business or further develop your existing grooming skills, this qualification provides the practical experience and nationally recognised credentials to support your career in the pet grooming industry.
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*
