Help others put their best face forward

Samantha Warstat found a job at Forme Spa in Parnell soon after completing her diploma in professional beauty therapy. Photo / Supplied

Beauty therapy is a growing industry that needs trained therapists.

Elite International offers a professional diploma in beauty therapy and a premier diploma in beauty and spa therapy. Students do beautician, body therapy and electrolysis modules to gain the professional diploma; the premier diploma also includes a spa module.

Each module is assessed separately through assignments, followed by a final three-hour practical and two-hour theory exam. A pass is 75 per cent with students reaching at least 70 per cent in their theory exam.

Personal image is important in the beauty therapy industry. Elite International requires a professional and immaculate appearance at all times.

A compulsory uniform is supplied and hair must be tied up and nails kept short. The only jewellery allowed is a fob watch, wedding ring and small stud earrings.

Contact with clients varies according to campuses but students usually work one day a week with paying clients. Spa module students also do a week practicum. Money raised from paying clients goes to charities chosen each year by students.

Elite International also offers three optional international qualifications; Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC), International Therapy Examination Council UK (ITEC) and Comite International D'esthetiques et de Cosmetology (CIDESCO).

GRADUATE

Samantha Warstat
* 21
* Intermediate Beauty Therapist
* Forme Spa, Parnell
* Graduated June 2009

I started here mid last year and have just been promoted to intermediate level.

As part of the job interview I had to do a mini facial and describe the person's skin condition. I also did a bit of waxing and nail painting, but honestly, it wasn't difficult after all the Elite practical exams. I was really lucky getting a job quickly during the recession. Some classmates took longer but I know a lot of them have secured good jobs, including on cruise ships.

I either do a 10am to 7pm shift or a noon to 8pm shift and I work Saturdays. I have Sunday and Monday off. Saturday is the busiest day; time just flies by.

We get commission for meeting weekly targets, based on things like the number of clients that rebook and products we sell. I enjoy pushing myself to become really good.

I started with a Certificate in Beauty Services in Nelson. My teacher realised I wanted to keep learning and recommended Elite International in Auckland, which offered the subjects I wanted and three international qualifications. I would have loved to sit all three but they are pretty pricey, so I chose the CIBTAC body, electrolysis and aesthetic papers. Interestingly, the school practical exam was harder than the international exam.

With the beauty therapy practical exam, we did things like waxing half a leg and one arm pit. I did half a manicure and a facial massage. We also had to answer questions about the condition of our model's nails, their skin type and so on. In the massage module, we demonstrated different movements. Examiners checked we had the right flow or rhythm and were standing correctly and not slouching. We also had to answer questions about the different muscles.

I was initially surprised at the amount of anatomy and physiology in the course; apparently it is similar to first-year nurse training.

It was hard but I quickly realised how crucial it is and now use that knowledge regularly. So far I'm enjoying every moment of it.

I'm in a really amazing team and I feel privileged to have trained at Forme Spa in advanced skin treatments, including ionithermie (anti-cellulite treatment).

EMPLOYER

Hady Wenham
* Managing Director, Forme Spa

We have done a lot of research on what makes a top performer. The first thing we look for is appropriate qualifications and experience. Then we look at personality and do a trade test of skills and knowledge.

We employ only fully qualified beauty therapists with the technical skills to deliver, ideally with international qualifications. We provide a full induction and orientation for new therapists and schedule monthly training and development sessions.

Apart from industry-specific skills, therapists need to confident, empathetic and able to hold a conversation. Beauty therapy is an area where the client often feels vulnerable talking about their skin concerns, so it is vital our employees can build a relationship of trust quickly.

Working some evenings and Saturday is mandatory in most industry jobs. You are on your feet for many hours so it can be physically demanding work and stressful having back-to-back clients in busy spas. You need to be organised, motivated and passionate about helping others.

I would recommend training for a full beauty therapy qualification, including massage, because many New Zealand salons require staff to be skilled in all areas. A good question to ask the school would be about turnover - how likely are you to get the same tutor for the whole course?

TRAINING PLACE

Qualification: Professional Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5)
Where: Elite International School of Beauty and Spa Therapies.
Contact: 0800 GO ELITE (0800 46 35483), study@beautycollege.co.nz, www.elitebeautyschool.co.nz.
Entry Requirements: Minimum 16 years old with three years secondary schooling. Interview. International students need IELTS 6.0.
Course costs (domestic): $16,250 (premier)/$11,500 (professional) plus $1800 course-related costs (includes uniform and full kit, including makeup, oils, linen, products).
Campuses: Three in Auckland, one each in Hamilton, Wellington.
Intakes: January, April, July, October. Wellington: January and July.
Graduate pay rates: Between $12.50 and $18 an hour depending on qualification and status and size of clinic/spa.

angela@careerideas.co.nz