Go for a job that gives you a glow
Tim Curbbun began studying to become a primary school teacher, but realised university wasn’t for him and left his course after three months.
instead, the 29-year-old from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, decided he wanted a career in the beauty therapy and make-up industry.
While working in retail for a beauty company, he continued to study at a local make-up academy and Chesterfield College.
He has since gained qualifications in beauty therapy, media make-up and also undertaken an assessor award.
Tim continues to work part-time at a salon in Stretton, Derbyshire, while lecturing and working as an assessor in the beauty industry. He recently completed the Certificate in Education at Chesterfield College Campus, through the university of Derby.
Tim, who was a runner-up in the 2016 Festival of Learning awards, provides local employers with work experience students and helps to co-ordinate apprenticeships.
As part of his role, he supports students attempting to get into beauty therapy with industry related interview techniques and trade testing.
He says: ‘my teaching ambition has been fulfilled thanks to my love of beauty and make-up. i always had the ambition to be an assessor within beauty therapy and media make-up.
‘So when my tutor, michaela Greaves, introduced me and supported me through the qualification i took on the opportunity with enthusiasm.’ Tim says he gets job satisfaction from being able to pamper people and make them feel amazing while sharing his skills with the beauty therapists and make-up artists of the future.
His days are varied depending on whether he is at the salon or working at Chesterfield College.
‘i thrive on people achieving the best of their capabilities and that is definitely the ethos of Chesterfield College,’ says Tim.
He has now started a BA (Honours) business management degree through the Open university to progress his career. He says it is starting to become a ‘more balanced industry’.
Advising other men aiming to enter the beauty industry, he adds: ‘Do not let anything stop you from achieving your dream career.
‘beauty and make-up was always a hobby of mine and i think it is all about doing a job that you love. You work more than anything else in life, so you’ve got to be happy.’
FOR more info festivaloflearning.org.uk and chesterfield.ac.uk