Beauty courses nailing it

When social distancing and restrictions on services were announced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the beauty industry was hit hard. Likewise, enrolments in beauty courses. But after the downturn in student numbers, interest in Federation TAFE’s Certificate III in Beauty Services and Diploma of Beauty Therapy has never been higher.

“After considerable disruption to class delivery and to the broader industry, we felt the drop off in enrolment numbers,” said Federation TAFE Program Manager, Service Industries and Environment, Stacey Gilligan.

“To attract more learners and ensure Federation remained competitive, we initiated a project to benchmark ourselves against other providers in the market, consulted with staff and students, and identified areas for improvement and investment.”

“Almost immediately after implementing changes we noticed a significant difference in enrolments, tripling our numbers resulting in two full cohorts of Certificate III students for our first intake of the year.”

Over 30 students enrolled in the Certificate III in Beauty Services which provides hands-on skills training across nails, waxing, lash and brow, and make-up services and sees graduates qualified to become a beautician, nail or eyelash technician, or make-up artist.

Numbers for the Diploma of Beauty Therapy which teaches advanced beauty treatment skills and techniques and offers career opportunities as a qualified beauty therapist, spa therapist or salon manager or owner, also rose.

Seventeen-year-old Tahlia Mcilvena is currently studying the Diploma of Beauty Therapy after first undertaking the Certificate III.

“School just wasn't for me. I struggled. I much prefer being hands-on with my learning. Since I've come to Federation, I’m like a whole new person. I am absolutely loving being here. The students and the staff, they're all amazing and a big support.”

Tahlia is planning on using her TAFE studies as a steppingstone into higher education and a future career in cosmetic nursing.

“I want to go right from start to finish with Federation. After I finish this Diploma, I’m hoping to study a Diploma of Nursing then study a Bachelor of Nursing at Federation University. After that you can go on to do a Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables. The aim is to eventually open my own salon or clinic.”

Regardless of the reasons for the significant rise in enrolments, given beauty courses are not included in the fee-free suite of TAFE courses, this is especially impressive and a testament to the dedication and hard work of Federation TAFE teachers and staff in ensuring the future sustainability of the programs.