A couple of weeks ago, I got an invite to attend an advanced makeup class in Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty. The name of the school was very new to me, especially because there aren’t exactly any beauty schools in Metro Manila. The school is located inside Fox Square Building along Connecticut Street in Greenhills, right beside Lugang Cafe.
So what exactly does Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty offer? That was my main question coming into the event. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by a room with salon chairs and mirrors, complete with those shampoo chairs you always see in parlors. I was given a quick tour, where I also saw a room full of vanity light mirrors and chairs, a small faculty room, a mini kitchen, and a quaint library.
After the tour and some snacks and refreshments, we were brought to the room with the vanity light mirrors to be given an introduction of the school.
Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty was founded by Joscelyn Langdon, who’s main goal was to professionalize the beauty industry through education and science-based training. Prior to the birth of Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty, she served passionately as a teacher and principal in three colleges in Victoria, Australia, where she pushed for the transition of the hair and beauty industry from an apprentice era to full-time training. She has grown Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty as an industry leader in beauty-related education.
Seeing the huge potential in the Philippines but a lack of a formalized institution when it comes to hair design and beauty training, she was prompted to open Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty in Metro Manila.
It’s the first beauty school in the country that doesn’t just offer certificate programs, but diploma courses! And because it’s an international school that’s widely recognized in a lot of countries, you’re almost guaranteed a profession on both the local and global scene.
Langdon expressed that it has been her life-long mission to continuously uplift the beauty industry. She wants the students of ACHDB Manila to realize their dreams and become highly educated, well-trained professionals so that they can set the standard and shape the future of hairdressing, beauty, and makeup artistry.
This ideology and vision echoes as each student steps into the Manila campus, which fosters an ultra-modern learning environment where classes are interactive and students get firsthand experience of actual activities they will be doing in their soon-to-be workplace. Class sizes are purposely small, strictly adhering to 16 students to 1 teacher ratio to facilitate learning more effectively.
Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty Manila has also made their learning programs comprehensive but flexible, to suit students’ interests, needs, and lifestyles. They can choose from Diploma or Accredited Hair Dressing Courses and Makeup Courses—a full 9-month program of intensive learning, training, and real salon work experience. They also offer the “Build Your Own Program,” which is perfect for people like me who have day jobs and only have the weekends as their free time. This program allows time-challenged individuals to take a Diploma or an accredited course, enroll with minimum course units depending on their available schedule, and finish their program at their own pace.
Those eyeing for an international career can take the “Manila to Melbourne Program,” wherein they will begin their training in Manila, culminate their studies in Melbourne, and potentially find work opportunities thereafter. On the other hand, those who are already experienced hair and makeup practitioners but wish to gain a diploma or an accreditation can take advantage of the Recognition to Prior Learning (RPL), where their skills and competencies will be evaluated by the school and in accordance with its qualification standards. There are also short courses for those who want to specialize in specific areas of hair dressing and makeup.
With this array of education programs by Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty Manila, exciting career opportunities are truly abundant in the world of hairdressing and beauty. It’s definitely the best and most solid training ground in the country to help students hone their talents, live out their passion, and carve their niche in the industry.
To know more about the school or to inquire about the courses, visit their website here or call them at 752-1459.