Jess shapes future beauty professionals

“I'm teaching the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics (SHB20121) and I cover units in the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121) as well,” Jess began, from TAFE Queensland’s Ipswich campus where she is based.

“I continue to work in industry. I've got a home salon that's just celebrated its tenth birthday, and so that I can balance my workload, I’ve closed my books to new clients. So I’m there, and I’m here teaching at TAFE Queensland two days per week.”

“It’s actually coming up to my twentieth year in the industry, so I’m excited I’m able to delve into both aspects of the industry. I can keep my finger on the pulse by practising in my home salon, whilst teaching new students here with each intake,” Jess shared.

Jess joined TAFE Queensland in 2020, having been inspired by her best friend, who was also a teacher at TAFE Queensland. She particularly enjoys the diversity her teaching role offers.

“The best thing about my job here is the variety – no two days are the same, and I get to meet a lot of new people each intake,” Jess shared.

“It keeps you guessing and it's really nice to uncover different personalities, and just see if there are ways that you can help them and make a change in people's lives, too.”

“You do get to know people on a really personal level, and I love being able to make a positive impact on someone,” she beamed.

Jess teaches high school students undertaking TAFE at School which she considers to be a significant honour. 

“I think everyone who you support to complete the program is a ‘win’, especially as, as you know, going through those teenage years is quite tough,” Jess offered.

“When they're balancing school life, personal life and a TAFE Queensland course, I think it’s really important to inspire them to complete by getting on to their level, building rapport and building trust with them,” she explained.

As part of the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics (SHB20121), students cover how to conduct financial transactions, research and apply beauty industry products, as well as demonstrate retail skin care, and perform mini-facials. 

“Recently our students did their photography and photo shoots as part of the course. So they'll learn makeup and photography makeup,” Jess continued.

“They learn lash and brow techniques, including brow laminations, lash lifts, brow waxing and tinting.”

“So even if they decide that they wanted to move on to the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121), a lot of the units will be credited from this course, as recognition of prior learning, so, this Certificate II is a great stepping stone,” Jess said.

Jess believes that the beauty industry is a dynamic field to work in.

“I love that beauty is an ever-evolving industry,” she continued.

“It's forever changing and working here (at TAFE Queensland) you get to keep learning new things. I still attend the beauty trade shows and expos. I love that you’re forever learning,” she said.

As for teaching at TAFE Queensland, Jess shares similar advice and the same positive sentiment, too.

“We've got a great group of teachers — great leadership that we can look up to. So we feel very supported. There's always someone to turn to and someone will always have an answer for you.”

Jess, after finishing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), chose to work at TAFE Queensland, given its long-standing reputation.

“I'm extremely proud to say that I work for TAFE Queensland,” Jess offered.

“I think the opportunities that are available to all students of all walks of life – not just the beauty industry — are second to none. And I'm just proud to be on board and a part of that,” Jess said.

Naturally Jess is very encouraging of others giving TAFE Queensland a go — whether that be through the traditional route of being a student, and by eventually becoming a teacher, too.

“I would recommend TAFE Queensland because you're coming into not just the workplace but you're coming into a culture; you will build strong relationships, and you will learn a lot —there's great opportunities available. It's such a large organisation – but you don't feel forgotten,” Jess encouraged.

To end, Jess provided her own summary of ‘what greatness is’.

“Greatness is just being the best version of yourself and being able to learn as much as you can to create a great outlook and a great future,” she finished.