Beauty course for indigenous youths

[Thu 08/07/2010 10:51:18]

A new pilot beauty and job skills course has launched to assist unemployed indigenous youth discover and secure a new career path.


Maureen Houssein-Moustafa

Designed by the Australasian College Broadway and the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) with input from JobFind, 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 will be spent at a salon implementing the practical skills learned in class.

The training, fully funded by the college known as leaders in the field of hair and beauty education in Australia, 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 the community.
The success of the three month initiative could open the door to other career pathways being explored and secured with colleges around the country.

“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,” said Maureen Houssein-Mustafa, CEO, the Australasian College Broadway

“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,” she said.

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, which JobFind will assist with.

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. 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” said Mr. Prouse.

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 66 hairdressing stations, 40 beauty areas, 28 nail, 10 pedicure and 16 makeup stations that run busily during days, evenings and weekends.

With more than 85 multicultural educators and staff, who among them speak 28 different languages, Maureen has selected the very best team of professionals and Industry achievers.

Many of the staff have worked internationally which allows them to provide students with innovative and extensive training backed by their years of industry experience.

www.australasiancollege.com.au or www.nasca.com.au