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Carly brings advanced salon tips, tricks and ideas to her beauty role
For Carly Russell, the tools of her trade are a little different to other apprentices. That’s because Carly is completing her Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) as an apprenticeship through part-time work and block training, rather than traditional classroom-based studies.
This approach allows Carly more time in the salon with clients, whilst getting paid and providing her with job security.
“After having my kids a few years ago and experiencing a tree-change (Carly moved to just outside Pittsworth from the Sunshine Coast) I was also really after a career change,” Carly began.
“I had been a Patient Support Assistant for five years at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, but I always had a passion for the beauty industry, but I was just too nervous to study it during and straight after high school.”
“So, when we moved, I started that journey with a Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121), which I completed at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus through night classes over a twelve-month period.”
“This worked amazingly for me as I had two very young children at home. I then started my diploma the following year,” shared Carly.
Carly opted to complete her diploma part-time and as an apprentice which sees her gain hands-on salon experience at Elk Beauty in Pittsworth, and the ability to apply, practise and reinforce what she learns in class at her workplace.
Carly discusses beauty products with a client.
During block sessions at the Toowoomba campus, Carly benefits from receiving instruction and theoretical knowledge from industry experienced educators, in the fully-equipped beauty salon.
Apprenticeship training also provides Carly with the flexibility to balance her family and work commitments, while still progressing in her study.
“Part-time study (through block training) works really well with my home life, allowing me to still be present with my young family,” she offered.
It was Carly’s dedication to professional development which motivated her to pursue more specialised beauty knowledge by attaining a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121).
“I chose to complete my diploma to expand my knowledge and skill set — I’m passionate about constant self-improvement.”
“I love the relaxation components which the diploma qualification offers, as well as being able to give clients really great results with specialised facial treatments. I’ve gained so much in-depth knowledge about treatments and skin anatomy through my training at TAFE Queensland,” Carly said.
“I'm now able to, with the skills gained from undertaking my diploma, perform more spa treatments, facials, and just more advanced treatments at the salon,” said Carly.
For Carly, one of the major advantages of completing her diploma course via an apprenticeship model is that she can earn a salary while gaining these specialised beauty skills and experience.
“I've enjoyed being able to actually work on clients and get paid for it, while learning,” said Carly.
“It feels good to help a client relax and unwind from their busy life.”
“And when I go to block training, the TAFE Queensland trainers give me their tips and tricks that I can share and use via the services we offer,” she continued.
Carly encourages other aspiring beauty professionals to evaluate the benefits of completing training via an apprenticeship model.
“My advice for others considering an apprenticeship — go for it. You’ll get the experience of interacting with clients every day and learning how a salon works by actually being in the workforce,” Carly shared.
“My TAFE Queensland teachers have been absolutely incredible — they're always contactable, and just really supportive in just anything that you might need help with.”
And into the future Carly is stepping into a new role as the owner of Elk Beauty. With her specialised beauty skills and fresh perspective, Carly will re-brand the salon to Alema Studio, and continue to provide quality services to local residents.
I chose to complete my diploma to expand my knowledge and skill set — I’m passionate about constant self-improvement