After nearly two decades working in child care, Cowra’s Nadine Walker knew it was time for a career change. What she didn’t expect was how a last minute decision to study at TAFE NSW would change her life entirely.

Nadine completed a Certificate III in Beauty Services at TAFE NSW Orange in December 2018 before gaining employment at Eye Spy Beauty in Cowra in February this year, a job she describes as a dream come true.

Nadine said, “I have never enjoyed anything more in my life than studying Beauty Services at TAFE NSW and working in this industry.”

“I worked in child care or with children since the year 2000, and some personal events last year inspired me to call TAFE NSW to try something I’d always been passionate about – beauty services.

“I’m so glad that that I took a chance and followed my dreams. I absolutely love my job at Eye Spy Beauty and feel so lucky and privileged that my boss Nicole gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.

“This month, I have graduated from TAFE NSWwith a Certificate III in Nail Technology, and I’m looking forward to improving my skills by studying the Certificate IV in Beauty Services or an equivalent course in the future.”

Nadine’s boss, Eye Spy Beauty owner Nicole Tidswell, said the talented Cowra local has already become a huge asset to her team.

“Nadine’s fantastic. Everything she does in the workplace is excellent – she’s proactive, enthusiastic and you can tell she really loves working in the beauty industry,” she said.

“Nadine is frequently picking up regular clientele that ask specifically for appointments with her. That’s a very positive sign in the beauty industry.”

TAFE NSW Hair and Beauty Teacher Rebecca Phillips added, “Nadine worked really hard to develop a strong skill set while studying at TAFE NSW.

“She has a good work ethic matched equally by enormous talent, and it is certainly no surprise to me that she has gained employment and is doing very well in the beauty industry.”

Australian Government statistics reveal that there will be more than 25,000 new beauty therapist positions become available across the country until 2023.

Nadine said, “I would certainly encourage others to study at TAFE NSW as it was a wonderful learning environment. Being really hands-on and having quality face-to-face support really encouraged me to succeed.

“I met lots of great friends, the teachers were amazing, and the best part is I got my dream job from this experience. If you want to try something new, mine is a good lesson - don’t take too long to make the call to TAFE NSW, their training really does change lives, mine is a good story and lesson to learn from.”

TAFE NSW has a huge range of beauty courses available for enrolment in semester two. For information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Luke Schuyler, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0439 536 563.