Beauty expo connects students with industry experience

TAFE Queensland’s annual Beauty Expo took place from 26 - 28 November, providing beauty students with an immersive, industry-connected experience designed to enhance their skills and prepare them for real-world careers.

Over two and a half days, Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121), Certificate III Makeup program (SHB30221) and Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121) students participated in a diverse range of industry-led skills workshops, guest speaker sessions, and off-campus industry tours, thereby developing their confidence, knowledge, and professional networks.

Students kicked off the Expo with a Get Set for Work – Resume Writing workshop, building essential employability skills before diving into a full schedule of industry-led learning.

They were then visited by major beauty brands that delivered hands-on masterclasses, including:

Dermalogica Skin Expert Session – A deep dive into skin health, professional treatment protocols, and the latest innovations in skincare.
Mancine Cosmetics Product Knowledge – An in-depth look at one of Australia’s leading professional waxing and skincare brands.
Professional Beauty Solutions (PBS) masterclasses for both Diploma and Certificate III Beauty students, offering the latest beauty therapy techniques, product education, and treatment demonstrations.

The students also benefited from sessions delivered by Torrens University, which shared pathways for further study and career development, as well as a dedicated Beauty and Makeup Pathways Session that provided information about upskilling into other qualifications and additional skill sets available to support their learning journey.

The major highlight of this year’s Expo was the industry tours, offering exclusive experiences.

Students visited the Lycon Cosmetics headquarters in Brisbane, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into the manufacturing, product development, and what it takes to maintain a global reputation for excellence for professional salon and home care beauty products.

The Expo concluded with an engaging session from Michael Huxley from Huxley School of Makeup, where students learned about professional makeup careers, special effects makeup, advanced training options, and opportunities within the creative industries.

With industry sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and exclusive access to leading brands, the students learned directly from professionals shaping the future of the beauty industry.

The Beauty Expo strengthened TAFE Queensland’s industry partnerships while empowering students with the latest skills, real-world insights, and the confidence to take the next step in their careers in the beauty industry.