Annie Davies

Annie’s goal is to become a special effects make up and prosthetics designer for the film and theatre industry; and she’s doing everything she can while she’s still at school to make that dream a reality. Last year Annie completed the Level 2 Beauty programme and this year she’s extending her skills and knowledge further through the Level 3 Creative Design for Hair and Make Up programme. These programmes are building the foundation skills she needs to go on into future tertiary study and then employment in the industry.

“The Trades programmes are a stepping stone that will set me up to be successful when I enrol for full time tertiary study in Auckland next year. I enjoy the freedom that I have here at Trades. The learning is practical and hands-on and I feel I’m in control of what and how I learn. I think creative people thrive in this sort of environment. The things we are learning are very valuable and if you put the effort in, you’re definitely going to get the rewards.”

One of the highlights of this year’s programme is being able to combine both special make up effects with hair styling. “I didn’t have much hair styling experience before but this goes hand in hand with make up design”. Annie has been able to put her new knowledge and skills to good use in her roles as actor and hair and make up designer in the local Youth Theatre, school productions and teaching these skill to younger primary students.