Work placement leads to dream career for beauty therapist

Beauty therapist Lauren Phipps has landed her dream career as a result of a work placement organised by Telford College.

Lauren, a former student of William Brookes School in Much Wenlock, completed several placements at the Body & Mind salon in Wellington – and when she finished her studies, they offered her a permanent role.

“All of the other therapists I work with made me feel so welcome when I started, and knowing most of them beforehand due to completing placement was a real help,” she said.

During her time at Telford College, Lauren studied beauty therapy level two and three courses at the Haybridge Road campus.

“It covered all you need to know to get a career within the industry, such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, make up, massage, tanning and eyelash extensions,” she said.

“I also chose to do extra mini courses to help boost my qualification such as eyelash perming and IBD gel nails. Within the course you also learn the anatomy and physiology side of beauty to ensure you have the knowledge as well as the practical side.”

She added: “I always wanted to do something within the hair and beauty industry and I liked the fact that, at college, I was treated as a young adult and not a child – it helped you to prepare you for working life.

“You’re expected to keep on top of your work, ensure your attendance is good and, within beauty, bring in as many clients as you can for assessments.

“This keeps you motivated, because without good attendance and passing assessments, you won’t pass the course.”

The Body & Mind team said they saw Lauren’s confidence grow steadily during the course of her placements.

Carol Taylor, work placement co-ordinator at Telford College, said: “Relevant work placement is an essential part of the qualifications undertaken by our students.

“We actively encourage them to research and approach an organisation to arrange their placement, but we are also on hand for those who need a little extra help, and we support both the student and the organisation throughout the process.

“With a work placement, students get a real experience of life within their chosen career, and can see how their academic knowledge is essential to the working environment.

“The organisation also benefits from their own staff developing in a mentoring and training role. We are delighted that Lauren’s placement has achieved an excellent outcome for both parties.”

Telford College has an open event taking place on 17 January from 5pm to 7.30pm at Haybridge Road campus. People are advised to register for the event at https://www.tcat.ac.uk/open-events/