Third times a charm for Beauty Therapy student Amber Mills

Amber Mills was studying a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Commerce when she decided neither filled her cup aiding in her decision to transition to study a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) with TAFE Queensland.

Gold Coast local Amber Mills was faced with the tough decision during COVID when she qualified for TAFE Queensland’s subsidised training. The free and low-cost TAFE Queensland courses were only available to those who weren’t already studying, and at the time Amber was completing her Bachelor of Commerce when she found herself at a crossroad.

“I remember thinking do I drop my Bachelor of Commerce studies with one year to go and stay on the train I am already on or do I go for something I am passionate about?,” Amber said.  

“My mum and sister said to me I needed to do something I am passionate about.”

“When it came down to making the decision I remembered how much I loved being involved in the beauty side when I worked at Priceline and that ultimately was the deciding factor.”

“I have really enjoyed the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) and I have loved my teachers and I found the transition from the Southport Campus to the Robina Campus refreshing.”

“Completing the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) has made me realise there’s more to beauty than just make up, you learn all these extra things that you don’t think would be beauty when you first think about it but it all overlaps with each other.”

“I have been focusing on skin care and massaging and I have been surprised at how well I have taken to the two different areas of beauty.”

Amber recently competed at the World Skills which is the largest vocational education and training competition in the country. Amber was successful in taking out the Gold Medal in the Beauty category at the Regional World Skills Competition. All beauty students were judged by a panel of industry professionals on their competence to conduct a facial, eyebrow wax and tint, eyelash tint, evening makeup, half leg wax and a manicure with a french tip at an industry standard.

“I was really surprised when they called my name and to hear I had won,” Amber said.

“My mum was crying, she was so proud and I think that makes me tear up a bit too, because it still has not hit me.”

“I am very proud of myself, it justifies the move and spending so much time studying beauty, to see I’m doing the right thing and on the right path is a relief,” she said.

Beauty Therapy teacher, Tracy Fearn, pioneered the World Skills Regional Competition as she recognises that competitions including World Skills strengthens TAFE Queensland students and allows them extra skills to go into industry.

“Amber to me represents a lot of what our industry needs, she’s professional, courteous, polite, she likes to strive for success and she will push herself beyond her limits but first and foremost, she will place her client’s needs before her own and I think in our industry largely that is really important,” Tracy said.

“She’s passionate, she’s caring, she has a beautiful natural touch and when working with her clients, her clients say they feel like they have had a beautiful experience.”

Kassi Bristow, Vagheggi Sales and Training Manager was one of the many industry representatives who was a judge at the World Skills Competition.

“It’s so amazing to see so many talented beauty therapists coming through, it is a credit to the TAFE Queensland educators!” Kassi said.

“I have spoken with clients who come into the showroom who are looking for staff and I have passed on Tracy’s email to connect those students looking for beauty jobs in industry when they graduate.”

Participating in competitions like World Skills provides students with the chance to develop important relationships within their industry nationwide. Amber Mills has had a few job offers since competing at World Skills and has been approached to apply for multiple industry roles.

“Pure Indulgence have contacted me from the competition and I hope to start there in December or January.”

Learn more about a career in Beauty Therapy: https://tafeqld.edu.au/course/17/17811/diploma-of-beauty-therapy