College of tomorrow

To mark their fourteenth year in education and training, The Australasian College of Nails Beauty Makeup Hair Broadway recently moved to new, state-of-the-art facilities at Broadway in Sydney.

 

When Professional Beauty visited the college’s impressive new glass-fronted premises, the place was abuzz with classes being conducted and finishing touches being made to the school’s interior.

 

Due to limited space for expansion at the previous location, the college’s CEO Maureen Houssein Mustafa has designed an outstanding new contemporary learning environment (a warehouse style conversion) at a cost of $2 million. “No expense has been spared,” Maureen said, as she gave us a tour of the college’s amenities.

 

Facilities include ten pedicure thrones, 30 ventilated nail desks, 66 hair stations, 80 theory seats, 20 facial and body beds. The college showcases the very latest in equipment and technology. Each theory room is fitted with a large plasma screen and a laptop to enhance learning opportunities for students. Student laptops are also available with internet connection.

 

In business for some 14 years, Maureen is passionate about education in the beauty industry.

“I wanted to create a ‘college of excellence’ for the industry – a college for tomorrow,” said Maureen. “Our aim is to provide training and education to enable students to be an asset as soon as they start working in a salon.”

 

The college offers customised courses, flexible delivery and Maureen says they guarantee job placement on successful completion of a course.

 

“We are totally committed to the education and future of the industry. I’m big on training. I believe there should be an extra element of training – especially with IPL,” she said.

 

“We have an abundance of professional people on staff who are really passionate about what they do; including the highly experienced educators and our administration infrastructure. Without our fabulous educators and administration team we would not be able to offer such a high level of service.”

 

Endeavouring to make students industry-ready as soon as they graduate, treatment appointments are booked in real time, so waxing, for example, takes 30 minutes, not two hours.

 

The college interviews all applicants to ensure that the person applying is a ‘good fit’ for the industry.

 

“Sound career advice is a part of our role. For all applicants under 18, we interview the parents, too. Our minimum age is 16, maximum 60,” Maureen said.

 

Although Brazilian waxing is not in the government-accredited training package, the college includes (female-only) Brazilian waxing as an option. The college wants students to be prepared for all services the industry offers. This option is only available to students 18 and over.

 

The college is open six days and four nights and has monthly intakes, offering students the flexibility to manage the rest of their life while achieving their dream.

 

To prove her commitment to the industry, Maureen is establishing “The Australian Beauty Industry Foundation”, a not-for-profit initiative offering:

 

·         Scholarships

·         Mentoring for people in business

 

Finally, Maureen is lobbying for government funding to fill the gaps in training – particularly in upgrading qualifications and training in management skills.  

 

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