29 May 2008
VU hair and beauty students sweep industry awards
Strong industry recognition of Victoria University's (VU) personal services' students was acknowledged when five VU students received top honours at the annual Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association (HBIA) awards this month. Two of the five students were from Melbourne's western region.
Lauren Boughton, 18, of Werribee, won the Outstanding Student, Pre-Apprentice award, impressing judges during an interview and hairdressing demonstration.
"This is a huge confidence-booster and shows I'm in the career I should be," she said.
Lauren is now working as an apprentice at Fine Detail Hair Designs in Werribee.
Georgia Daskalopoulas, of Yarraville, won the Outstanding Student in Beauty Award.
Georgia, 21, already manages her own salon, Yarraville Skin Therapy, which provides a range of services, including waxing, manicures, and pedicures.
The HBIA has been Victoria's peak industry body for more than 80 years.
Last year, VU's hairdressing program was the first in Australia to receive Three Gold Stars - the top level of distinction awarded by the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence.
Jann Fullerton, Head of VU's School of Personal Services said: "The process recognises that our programs are achieving excellent results as well as meeting the needs of industry, now and into the future."
VU's winning students at the 2008 HBIA Awards were:
Natasha D'Allura, Albury
Outstanding Student, Stage One Hairdressing
Lauren Boughton, Werribee
Outstanding Student, Pre-Apprentice
Alice Wilkinson, Harkaway
Outstanding Student in Diploma of Make-Up
Sonia Marulanda, Lower Templestowe
Outstanding Student in Trainee Beauty
Georgia Daskalopoulas, Yarraville
Outstanding Student in Beauty Services
Lauren Boughton is available for interview.
Further information:
Jann Fullerton, VU Ph: (03) 9919 7840; mobile 0421 618 971
