ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Leanne Laycock

30/08/2010

Working alongside her business partner and great team in Tasmania, Leanne cannot compare her current working life with that of her previous occupation as they are worlds apart!

What first interested you about Massage?

I always wanted a career that would give me the opportunity to make people feel better about themselves. I spent 9 years working in the manufacturing industry and over these years I contemplated what job I really wanted to do.

In 2004 I enrolled into an Introductory Massage Course with ACM in Launceston Tasmania. I turned up to the Introductory Massage Course having never received a professional massage in my life and I enrolled purely as I was exploring possible future career opportunities. I was astounded at the quality of the course and with the massages, even at beginner level, that I gave and received - I’ve been hooked ever since!

How long have you been massaging?

I have been massaging for 6 years professionally at Flesh Therapy in Devonport Tasmania where I am also a part owner.

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

Massaging clients is hugely rewarding. I receive the simplest reward when the client walks out of the room saying that they feel better, it makes me feel really good about my work.

There is no comparison between my current career and my previous career, they really are worlds apart! My previous work was just a job for me, paying the bills.

"Now I love working, I am passionate about the work I do and the results I achieve with clients."

What was your experience at ACM like?

I completed my Certificate IV and Diploma at ACM’s Launceston campus in Tasmania in 2004. Like many other students in my class I really appreciated the simple fact that ACM had designed a timetable with people like me in mind. I didn’t have the capacity to just give up my job and return to studying.  I needed a college that would be flexible and ACM’s weekend timetable suited me perfectly.

"The convenience of the timetable and the structure of the course made learning simple and productive."

I loved my on-campus experience and the professionalism of the lecturer and all the college staff. From the introductory right through to the completion of the diploma I was always made to feel comfortable and looked after.

How have your studies at ACM assisted preparing you for working in the massage industry?

ACM prepared me extremely well. I was full of confidence and on completion of my diploma, I felt completely comfortable and ready to start seeing paid clients as soon as I was qualified. In fact it was only a couple of weeks after I graduated that I accepted my first professional job in the industry.

I think the preparation of log books, which I completed throughout the training, was also factor in developing my abilities and confidence.

In my opinion ACM are the best Massage College in Australia. My business partner and I only ever employ ACM trained therapists. ACM’s professionalism and values set cannot be surpassed.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

My main advice is to study with the Australian College of Massage. I always recommend ACM whenever I am talking to someone who wishes to know more about studying massage.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I LOVE MY JOB! It is definitely the best career move I have ever made.

"It is such a pleasure to come to work and make people feel better about themselves. I also love being a business owner which I would not have had a chance to do if I was not a Massage Therapist."