Thinking of Enroling in a TAFE Beauty Course? Here’s What to Expect

So, you’re interested in the beauty industry and are looking at commencing study to kickstart your career.

With countless training courses and academies out there, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with choice.

Now more than ever, industry leaders are looking to hire staff with recognised qualifications from an established training provider. 

TAFE is one such institution next gen beauty therapists can gain applicable skills. 

Professional Beauty’s Hannah Gay spoke to Beauty Therapy Teacher and Professional Learning Committee Chair for TAFE Queensland, Lacie Green to find out what’s on offer:

Hannah Gay: Lacie, how many beauty courses does TAFE offer? 

Lacie Green: “Across Queensland, for example, we offer six different accredited courses under the new SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package, ranging in intensity to suit all learning needs and career outcomes.”

HG: What qualification levels do you offer? 

LG: “TAFE offers a wide variety of qualifications, from Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics which focuses on retailing and reception duties, up to the full Diploma in Beauty Therapy which covers everything from Waxing, Tanning, Manicures and Pedicures, Massage, Facials, to Aromatherapy and Reflexology.  

Each campus is tailored to suit the needs of the salons within that region, with our Sunshine Coast campus for example catering for the needs of local Day Spas and BathHouses offering spa therapies in their Diploma. 

We have the Certificate III in Makeup for those more creative, through to The Diploma of Screen and Media at our partner campus Huxley’s School of Makeup on the Gold Coast.  We also offer Certificate III in Nail Technology for those looking to get into the world of nail art and acrylics.”  

HG: Typically how long do TAFE beauty courses run for? 

LG: “6 – 12 months, generally three days a week, depending on the course.”

HG: Who is the ideal candidate for a TAFE beauty course? 

LG: “Someone who isn’t afraid to work with clients, and who enjoys the interaction and diversity that the service industry brings. They need to be physically fit as we are on our feet all day, and able to think on the fly to ensure services run smoothly and on schedule.”

HG: What are the main qualities in graduating students that you believe employers are looking for in 2023? 

LG: “We consult a lot with our industry members and they are looking for graduates that know they are at the start of their journey; people that are willing and eager to keep learning and growing as the industry changes and their skills develop! 

The beauty industry is so special because it is forever evolving and changing; we need to ensure our students and staff are evolving with it. They need to come with a passion for customer service, strong  communication skills, and be able to work quickly and effectively within set timeframes.”

Lacie Green discusses the rise in male and mature age students enroling in TAFE beauty courses here.

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