While still at Kuranui College in Wairarapa Samantha Pallesen was enthusiastic about all aspects of beauty, as well as helping others.
Having had a taste of the industry through a U-Skills course in Year 12, it didn’t take long for Samantha Pallesen to realise she could make these passions into a career.
Jumping at the chance to enrol in Wairarapa UCOL’s New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills (Introductory) (Level 2) programme when she finished secondary school, Samantha soon gained the skills and training to have a successful career in the hair and beauty industry.
“After completing the Salon Skills programme I knew I was heading in the right direction,” she says.
Her experienced UCOL lecturers were “heaps of fun” and wanted her class to be the best they could be to achieve their goals. “They guided me in the right direction and constantly gave me support and advice. There are a few in my Salon Skills class carrying on with further study because of our amazing lecturers.”
The nationally recognised hairdressing and beauty course was ideal for Samantha as she was able to get an overview of the working environment and discover career pathway opportunities.
Having graduated with the New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills (Introductory), Samantha has gone on to study the National Certificate in Beauty (Nail Technology) at UCOL.
A highlight of her time at UCOL has been meeting new and likeminded people. “Our class became so close and our lecturers always motivated us to do our best.”
“Studying at UCOL has been the best! I loved my course and I loved my lecturers, and that’s why I chose to continue further my qualifications here,” she says.
With future plans to go onto UCOL’s Diploma in Beauty Therapy, accomplishing her aspirations looks inevitable for Samantha.
“I want to keep upskilling and become qualified so I can fulfill my dream of owning my own salon. I can do that with UCOL.”