Students find success in beauty course
Feeling good in their own skin is one of many bonuses four woman have gained after successfully completing a trial beauty course in Tokoroa.
14 weeks ago Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Tokoroa campus began a Level Three National Certificate in Beauty Services trial course with tutor Rebecca Pakoti as a starting point for students to engage in further cosmetology study which is an industry with growing demand in the regions.
Pakoti, who previously worked for Maori Television as well as on various special effects projects, said with similar trials failing to take off in other parts of the country, having four successfully complete the course in Tokoroa was encouraging.
‘‘Two are going on to do a full year in Rotorua after having never done anything like this before. It has opened so many doors for them,’’ she said.
‘‘We only have one beauty salon here so a lot of ladies are going out of town to Taupo and Rotorua to get services such as nails, eyebrows and lashes, skin care, and makeup done but their skill level is now on par with what’s here in town already.’’
She said the confidence of the women has been vastly improved since taking part in the course.
‘‘We are so proud of Tokoroa for having them pass.’’
‘‘Formerly they’d walk into a chemist surrounded by makeup and have no clue what to do with it, they’d never even picked up lipstick, but they wanted to learn how to do makeup and look after their skin,’’ she said.
‘‘There is now a professional confidence that has grown within them because of what they have learnt. What has emerged is beautiful young women, how women should be - not harsh; soft and gentle, yet confident and elegant.’’
‘‘There is no swearing, there is no gossiping. They have taken on a different class now,’’ she said.
‘‘We are so proud of Tokoroa for having them pass. We are a community with so much going for it, it’s just a matter of being able to step out of our comfort zone and doing something.’’
A special photo shoot with a model and donated props from several local business was held at the conclusion of the course and Pakori thanked them for their support.
‘‘Local business were so open and welcoming,’’ she said.
She encouraged those interested in taking part in the next course to get in touch.