MEDIA

Model stylist makes the cut - Wednesday 30th September 2009
Students ready to be challenged - Wednesday 12th August 2009
Get a head start - Wednesday 22nd July 2009
Scholarship win great start for Georgia - Friday 29th May 2009
Leading edge - Wednesday 20th May 2009
Don't become obsolete - Friday 20th February 2009
Explore ideas - Friday 6th February 2009
Education with life in mind - Wednesday 7th January 2009
Mackintosh college makes big move - Wednesday 17th December 2008

Model stylist makes the cut - Wednesday 30th September 2009

For Tess Jorgensen-Smith, part-time model, dance teacher and 2008 Miami High School Captain, commencing a Certificate III in Hairdressing with Mackintosh College has played a key role in setting a strong base for a successful career in the fashion industry.

Jorgensen-Smith first took an interest in hairdressing while doing fashion shows on the Gold Coast. When she heard about the hairdressing course at Mackintosh College through a presentation at her school she knew that it was exactly what she was looking for and fitted perfectly with her ambitions.

“I had opportunities to work overseas but wanted to get a qualification before I started travelling around the world. The modeling industry can be up and down so I really needed to make sure I had a qualification just in case the flow of work slowed down.

With my international modelling career having to be put on hold for my studies, I didn’t have the time or patience to start an apprenticeship in hairdressing that would see me sweeping floors and making coffees all day. I really wanted to get the skills and qualifications fast, so I could then take up modelling opportunities overseas.

The best thing about the course has been the personal approach of the training. The trainers are always there to help and support us. During the course I have learnt so much about hairdressing, probably because the training is delivered in an interactive and fun way.

Currently I am perfecting my skills with clients on the salon floor. I just love talking to people about their day and helping people improve their look” she said.

According to Shane Mackintosh, Mackintosh College CEO, “our college offers a real alternative to a traditional apprenticeship or even university studies, by providing study options that guarantee students ‘real world’ skills, not to mention nationally recognised qualifications. It’s no real surprise that Jorgensen-Smith chose to study hairdressing, as fashion isn’t much different to the hairdressing industry in that they both encourage creativity and confidence. The hairdressing industry has provided an exciting and fun career path for many of our students.”

As a leading private college based on the Gold Coast, Mackintosh College has a range of course options to suit individual needs and lifestyles. The college is committed to focusing on enhancing the level of training and education by providing advanced and innovative programs designed to generate positive outcomes.

Certificate and diploma courses at Mackintosh College are an attractive option for many school leavers or for those currently employed looking to increase their long term employment prospects. In a short period of time students can complete certificate level courses in Hairdressing or diploma level courses in Event Management and hit the ground running.

Students ready to be challenged - Wednesday 12th August 2009>

This Saturday the 15th August, will see some of the Gold Coast’s future chefs turning up the heat in the Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge at Gold Coast TAFE, Ashmore.

Mackintosh College international students Carol Sutcliff and Jin Sook Lee are excited about the chance to compete with other students from across Australia vying to win.

Carol and her cooking partner have been busy putting the final touches on the dishes that will hopefully see them take out a Gold Medal.

Jin believes that presentation is a key part to having success in the competition.

“This competition isn’t just about how good a dish tastes it is also about creativity and beauty.”

“Cooking allows you to be creative and the dishes we have selected will look beautiful and taste great.”

The popularity of the television show Master Chef Australia has inspired many people to start cooking and has certainly motivated interest among the students studying to become chefs.

Mackintosh College Training Manager, Kim Little, said “Our Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) students have already held their own competition due to the popularity of television shows promoting cooking.”

“The students have definitely been inspired by watching popular television programs and there has really been an increase in the level of creativity and detail they are applying to their dishes during their training.”

The winning team of the competition will be invited to compete in the International Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge 2009 Cook Off, to be held at the Lycee Hotelier de Tahiti, from 22-31October 2009.

Friends and relatives are welcome to view the competition from 7.30 a.m. and the presentation will be held after the competition is finalised.

Get a head start - Wednesday 22nd July 2009

When Tara Hogan was choosing a career path she knew that her dream was to work in an environment that encouraged creativity and fun.

“I remember seeing the Mackintosh College advertisement at a bus stop ‘live like a hair stylist’ and thought that is exactly what I want to do.”

Tara finished high school in 2007 and knew that hairdressing was the job for her. The Certificate III in Hairdressing allowed her to get real skills and experience, without doing a 4 year apprenticeship.

“I always liked doing my friends hair before we went out and I loved doing crazy styles on myself. I couldn’t see myself sweeping floors and making coffee all day as an apprentice hairdresser. I wanted to get the skills and qualifications faster, so I could get a head start in the industry,” she said.

So in January 2008, Tara started her course and immediately found that the course challenged her both on a personal and professional level.

“Before starting the course I really had no experience in a workplace or dealing with customers, but my trainer was supportive and encouraged us to be creative. To be honest, at first the training was intense, but looking back, this was a real bonus as now I feel prepared when I am working on the salon floor.”

“The professional standards during the training prepared me for the level of service that is expected in the hairdressing industry. During the course I learnt so much about hairdressing, the training was interactive and really fun,” she said.

In January 2009, Tara graduated with a Certificate III in Hairdressing. Today, Tara’s goal is to continue to develop her skills while working at a local Gold Coast salon and long term, enter styling competitions along with one day owning her own salon.

Mackintosh College CEO, Shane Mackintosh says a success story like Tara’s is great to hear because it highlights the choice and opportunities that exist for school leavers.

“Our college prides itself on being an alternative to University, by providing a range of choices and practical ‘real world’ skills, not to mention nationally recognised qualifications. Our students are able to enhance their career prospects through gaining valuable skills and experience while studying.”

The Certificate and Diploma courses at Mackintosh College are an attractive option for many people now that the employment market is increasingly competitive. In a short period of time students can complete Diploma level courses in Hospitality or Business and hit the ground running.

Whether you want to increase your employment prospects and gain formal qualifications in your chosen field, or if you are a school leaver looking to enter the workforce immediately, Mackintosh College have a range of course options to suit individual needs and lifestyle.

Scholarship win great start for Georgia - Friday 29th May 2009

Visiting the Northern Rivers Careers Expo in Lismore turned out to offer a lot more than just career advice for a Year 12 student from Emmanuel Anglican College in Ballina. Georgia Linton, 17, from Tintenbar was the winner of a Diploma of Events scholarship with Mackintosh College on the Gold Coast.

Georgia said she was completely overwhelmed when she was called explaining that she was the lucky winner.

“At first I thought it was all a trick, I was absolutely stoked when I realised I had won the scholarship. This is a really good opportunity for me and I am lucky to get such a great head start.”

“I am interested in working in fashion management one day and this diploma will give me the skills to manage these kinds of events and that will be really cool.”

Mr Shane Mackintosh, CEO of Mackintosh College, said providing this scholarship opportunity for Georgia, a local Northern Rivers student, is a way of supporting the region through highlighting the options that are available for local school leavers.

“Our college offers an alternative to university, by providing flexible study options and practical ‘real world’ skills, not to mention nationally recognised qualifications. Georgia will be able to enhance her career prospects through gaining valuable skills and experience while studying her diploma.”

“I am excited about the work that we are planning to do with schools in the Northern Rivers region. The college is committed to focusing on enhancing the level of training and education in the region by providing advanced and innovative programs designed to generate positive results for our students and industry at large.” said Mr Mackintosh.

After visiting the Mackintosh College campus this week Georgia said she was really impressed and simply can’t wait to commence her studies in 2010.

Leading edge - Wednesday 20th May 2009

With economists and politicians regularly using the “R” word, now is the time to consider what will give you an edge when the employment market begins to improve and the new “R” word stands for recovery and not recession.

During this recession, job seekers and even those who are currently employed need to look to enhance long term employment prospects through gaining the skills and qualifications that are attractive across different employment sectors. According to Mr Shane Mackintosh, CEO of Mackintosh College, “Today, learning new skills and studying towards a qualification is a logical and attractive option for many people when the employment market is becoming increasingly competitive.” Mackintosh College offers students an extensive range of accredited programs to choose from, in multiple levels of certificates, diplomas and short courses within hospitality, hair and beauty, business and retail.

The training programs are designed to improve the employment opportunities of students by focusing on practical, “real world” skills. Through various industry links Mackintosh College offers students potential employment opportunities, placements and traineeships during and following their studies.

“Based on research conducted in 2008, we have introduced a new course in Events Management due to the continued interest from potential students. The units covered in this innovative course have been specially selected to provide graduates with a skill set that will allow them to be industry ready,” says Shane Mackintosh.

As a leading private college based on the Gold Coast, Mackintosh College increases students’ employment prospects and fast tracks formal qualifications.

Don’t become obsolete - Friday 20th February 2009

Yet another Australian Bureau of Statistics report indicates that the unemployment rate continues to move into the zone that prompts many of us to re-evaluate whether we have the qualifications, skills, experience or connections to make it through the predicted dark winter of 2009.

The rise in the unemployment rate to 4.8% in January from 4.5% in December now mirrors the rate of July 2006. As the rate continues to climb reports indicate that Australian employees are becoming more anxious about job security.

So what are the 3 key points to avoid becoming obsolete?

• Stay positive

Obviously it is a time to be concerned but don’t let it impact on your performance. Remember that your negative thoughts are going to affect the way you communicate with clients and colleagues.

As with employees company owners and managers need to remember the destructive power of negative thoughts in the workplace. The last thing any employer wants is a de-motivated workforce as this will eventually lead to a decrease in productivity.

• Complete a self assessment

Take an honest look at what your employment strengths and weaknesses are. Once you have identified your weaknesses look at ways you can improve. It may be as simple as looking at how you manage your time or it could lead to you studying a diploma that is relevant to your industry and provide greater opportunities.

This is also an important thing for companies to remember as the costs involved in rehiring and then retraining new staff far exceed developing current employees. It is better to be pro-active rather than re-active. Training your current employees may be a much better option in the long term and you may even be able to seek government funding for the training.

• Develop your network

Networking is an important part of developing any business and it is no different for developing your career.

By building contacts in your industry more people will know who you are and what you do. Sadly at times it is often who you know not what you know. This is why the smart companies continue to attend corporate events during tougher times. It is all about exposure.

According to Mackintosh College CEO, Mr Shane Mackintosh, “The most important thing for employees is to look to enhance long-term prospects through gaining tangible, hands-on skills that can be applied across different employment sectors.”

“By listening to and monitoring the needs of Gold Coast employers, we have been able to provide innovative training and education programs that enhance the employment opportunities of our students. Whether it is a hospitality short course or a diploma level business course, we can guide you towards gaining a formal qualification.”

Mackintosh College not only improves the employment prospects of students that come to the college directly, but also provides professional on-site training to businesses. For over a decade businesses across different sectors have contracted the college to conduct customized training to staff.

Traineeships are fast becoming the talking point of a lot of successful businesses. Queensland companies are finding out and taking advantage of this unique opportunity, there has not been a more appealing time than at present to have your staff undertake a traineeship, and assist your staff to pursue their career choice within your company.

Mackintosh College will conduct a skills assessment of each employee involved in the training, allow you to have control over your staff training, and provide regular training reports to your management. Trainers work closely with companies to help them choose the right training option and customize the training to suit the company needs. On successful completion of the course your staff will receive nationally recognized qualifications.

“Since the end of last year we have seen a steady increase in the amount of enquires from companies and employees looking at commencing courses that lead to learning new skills and techniques along with gaining a qualification. We are now developing night courses to cater for the growing number of people looking to increase job prospects during these uncertain times." said Mr Shane Mackintosh.

Whether you want to increase your own employment prospects, gain formal qualifications for yourself in your chosen field, or if you want to support the development of your staff, Mackintosh College has a range of flexible course options to suit your current needs and future plans.

Explore ideas - Friday 6th February 2009

In his 1889 novel A Connecticut Yankee, Mark Twain wrote that there is “…more than one way to skin a cat.”

Similarly, there is more than one way to get into that career you've had your eye on.

We have all heard or read the stories about how some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the world, such as Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Ralph Lauren, did not go to university and if they did they dropped out.

High school leavers who are searching the QTAC list for their surname hoping to get into that course and university need to remember that if they don’t find their name in print there is as Twain wrote “more than one way” to enter into a preferred career.

Vocational Education Training (VET) courses are designed to provide students with the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact in the workplace. Traditionally VET courses were often associated with TAFE, but today there is an increasing number of private colleges that provide courses to assist students in finding and keeping employment, especially as unemployment has risen to 4.5 percent in Australia.

VET courses are an attractive option for many people when the employment market is getting increasingly competitive. In a short period of time students can complete diploma level courses in hospitality or business and hit the ground running.

Whether you want to increase your employment prospects and gain formal qualifications in your chosen field, or if you are a school leaver looking to enter the workforce immediately, VET colleges have a range of course options to suit individual needs and lifestyle.

According to Mr Shane Mackintosh, the CEO of Mackintosh College, “VET colleges on the Gold Coast offer an alternative to university, by providing flexible study options and practical skills that are industry relevant and in demand. This has resulted in strong growth among private VET colleges. The most important thing for school leavers and job seekers is to look to enhance long-term prospects.”

“Based on feedback from students, trainers and industry over the past 13 years Mackintosh College has designed courses to keep pace with industry needs. This year two new courses in Events Management and Human Resources have been introduced due to the continued demand in the market place. Students can enrol weekly and this is an attractive option for students. The units covered in these courses have been specially selected to provide graduates with a skill set that will allow them to be industry ready.”

With over 1000 Queensland students possibly missing out on a place at university in 2009, it is important for students to remember that there are options out there and many VET courses will probably be a better fit than the more traditional option of university.

Education with life in mind - Wednesday 7th January 2009

An Australian Bureau of Statistics report has shown that the unemployment rate has moved to 4.4 percent in line with market expectations. With the global economic slowdown impacting on various employment sectors in Australia, 2009 may be the year to re-evaluate whether your skills and experience will shield you from the forecasted slowdown.

“Acquiring new skills and studying towards a qualification is an attractive option for many people when the employment market is showing signs of a decline," said Mr Shane Mackintosh, the CEO of Mackintosh College.

“The most important thing for school leavers, job seekers or even those currently employed is to look to enhance long-term prospects through gaining tangible, hands-on skills that can be applied across different employment sectors,”
“Based on research conducted over 2008, Mackintosh College has introduced two new courses in Events Management and Human Resources due to the continued demand in the market place. The units covered in these courses have been specially selected to provide graduates with a skill set that will allow them to be industry ready.”

“By listening to and monitoring the needs of Gold Coast employers we are able to provide innovative training and education programs. Whether it is an RSA short course or a diploma level business course, I am confident we have a course to suit your particular goals. Our teaching staff are industry wise and aware of the importance of providing students with current information and skills.”

“Mackintosh College has been improving the employment prospects of students over the past 13 years within all industries by identifying changing employment conditions and implementing courses that provide the skills that are in demand,” Mr Mackintosh says.
In order to cope with the growing number of people looking to increase job prospects, the college has recently moved to a larger campus in Robina. The new campus with linked training facilities and the latest training equipment will allow the college to further improve levels of professionalism and customer care.

Whether you want to increase your employment prospects and gain formal qualifications in your chosen field, or if you are a school leaver looking to enter the workforce, Mackintosh College has a range of course options to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Mackintosh college makes big move - Wednesday 17th December 2008

Mackintosh College has finally made the move from its Palm Beach campus into Campus Alpha, Robina. College staff will celebrate the move into the new campus with a few well earned drinks on 19th December 2008.

The new campus features “state of the art” technology and a specially designed layout to promote learning. The building is ‘ECO SMART’ with a 4 star green rating and 5 star energy efficiency.

Located just minutes walk from Robina Train Station and opposite Robina High School, it will further add prestige to the rapidly growing Robina education and business precinct.

According to Mackintosh’s CEO, Shane Mackintosh, the college’s decision to adopt the Robina precinct as home for its headquarters was based on a number of criteria.

“Mackintosh College has a growing number of international and local students and we want to provide a prestige location as well as a good working environment for students and staff. The Robina area offers the right environment and easy access due to its central location.”

The campus incorporates a new ‘Hair Salon’ that will be open to the public, conveniently located across from a cafe. The new salon and linked training facilities with the latest equipment will allow Mackintosh College to further improve levels of professionalism and customer care.
In 2009 Mackintosh College will offer new courses in Events Management and Human Resources targeting Gold Coast school leavers. The emphasis of these courses is on practical, hands-on experience meaning that graduates will be industry ready.

Mackintosh Colleges’ advanced and innovative training and education programs combined with quality teaching staff will continue to provide the Gold Coast region with well prepared employees.

The official opening party of the new Mackintosh College campus at 2 Investigator Drive, Robina will be announced in 2009.

Newsletter Sign-Up