Beauty and body therapist in training Phoebe Leov has almost completed the first year of her diploma course at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology in Blenheim.

Beneath the soothing tones of quiet jazz, there is little chatter to be heard, just the occasional murmur and the rasp of emery boards working in unison.

First year Beauty and Body Therapy Diploma students at Nelson Marlborough Institute for Technology are sitting their mock exams and among the calming scent of essential oils, the concentration is fierce.

Student Phoebe Leov, 19, is sitting the proper exam having completed her prelim with the other half of the class earlier. Her blonde hair is swept carefully back, her make-up carefully applied and she is running through a list of questions with her client before beginning a manicure. To her right sits a trolley laden with the tools of her trade. Bottles of nail polish sit in an enticing row and an array of moisturisers, scrubs and lotions are ready to go.

The questions she asks are about the client's expectations about their treatment but also about their health. Beauty, she says, is about so much more than just appearances.

"Health has an impact on all we do and vice, versa.

"We're taught a whole range of things from diet, exercise and nutrition to the skeletal and muscular system. I've heard that the first year of this course is similar to the first year of nursing," she says.

The client's nails are carefully scrutinised before the manicure even starts. Leov makes careful notes and explains how the health of the nail could be improved and protected.

A look around the room shows other students, also polished in appearance, and all concentrating on the task in hand. Black tunics with paua trim or buttons have been carefully pressed and shoes shine.

Walking slowly around the salon, clipboard in hand, tutor Crystal Burt, keeps a watch eye over proceedings. The first year tutor shows no signs of having been up since 6am and, like her students, is well groomed and exudes a sense of quiet confidence as she stops to ask questions.

Three days a week, the mother-of-three commutes to Blenheim from Nelson. It is a journey she is happy to take

"I expect high standards from my students and I expect them to be as committed as me.

"These girls will leave here salon ready and able to work anywhere. They've given up and balanced a lot to be here and their commitment can't be faulted," says Burt.

The salon they are working in may be a learning environment but it feels like the real deal because it is. Open to the public, the salon, Beauty Zone, give students the chance to put their skills to the test while clients get a host of treatment options for reduced prices.

Leov, who would like to work on cruise ships before starting her own salon and, like her class mates, is committed to the two-year full time course.

All are juggling families with part time work commitments and study. But at this moment in time, manicures and pedicures have their complete attention.

Towels are whipped away, warm cloths applied, masks painted on and massages given. Feet are immersed in flower-strewn water and polish finally checked under special magnifying lights. No detail it appears is too small.

For Leov, the exam has been a pleasure.

"I love it. This is what I want to do and while it's hard work I know it'll be worth it."Read more at:http://www.sheindressau.com/blue-bridesmaid-dresses-australia | http://www.sheindressau.com/red-coral-bridesmaid-dresses-australia