Recently launched, a pilot beauty and job skills course designed by The Australasian College Broadway and the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) with input from JobFind, will assist unemployed indigenous youth to discover and secure a new career path.
The training, fully funded by the College, is the first of its kind in partnership with NASCA, an organisation that uses sport to promote positive messages of completing school, being healthy and being a role model in your community.
Ms. Maureen Houssein-Mustafa (pictured at right), CEO, the Australasian College Broadway said, “Last year we created a beauty course for young Indigenous women with the local Leichhardt Police as part of our giving back to the community program. Despite some successes, we certainly experienced challenges and decided to partner with NASCA this year to draw upon their experience and create a more structured course. Our aim is to provide some fantastic opportunities for these young women, ensure that we can run this program ongoing so participants have the chance to secure an even brighter future, and set a standard for other Colleges to offer similar vocational prospects. This is an extremely exciting time for everyone involved and the staff at our College are delighted to be a part of it.”
The course will teach participants manicures and pedicures, how to service clients, first aid in the workplace, drug and alcohol education, CV writing skills, interview skill techniques, grooming and make up application. Three days will be spent in classes at the College and one day at a salon implementing the practical skills learned in class.
The College will ultimately arm participants with the ability to either set up their own service within a salon and be self-employed, or secure a full time role within the industry, assisted by JobFind. For those interested in further study, the course will also provide a basis to progress onto a full Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy. Mentoring support has been offered to all participants to facilitate their learning.
NASCA CEO, Mr. Charles Prouse, said that the organisation is committed to finding opportunities for Indigenous youth that will allow them to build a career, improve their self esteem and encourage more positive life choices.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young Indigenous youth wanting to enter the Industry. NASCA is proud to partner with the Australasian College Broadway and offer this unique program. It is a new undertaking for NASCA but it means we further support Indigenous youth to make choices that will benefit them throughout their life. I wish all the participants every success and I know that the staff at the Australasian College Broadway, Jobfind and NASCA will do everything they can to support them,” he said.
17 female students, aged between 16 and 25 who started the course on June 8, all come from Indigenous backgrounds. In order to secure a place in the program, the applicants had to complete a number of stages including filling in questionnaires, attending an orientation day, and undergoing interviews with NASCA Careers Program Manager Arthur Little to ascertain their level of interest and commitment.
The College’s state-of-the-art facilities include over 66 hairdressing stations, 40 beauty areas, 28 nail, 10 pedicure and 16 makeup stations.
To express interest in participating in the program, please contact Janis on 02 9571 8288, and for further information about The Australasian College Broadway visit www.australasiancollege.com.au or www.nasca.com.au