Holness to Invest More in Technical Vocational Training

KINGSTON — The HEART College of Beauty Services was officially opened Wednesday March 30, during a ceremony at the institution, Hope Road, Kingston.

Formerly the School of Cosmetology, it has grown into the leading training institution in the field of Cosmetology in the Caribbean, offering up to Level 4 (Associate Degree) in Professional Make-up Artistry and Hairdressing. Spa Therapy, Massage Therapy and General Beauty Therapy courses are offered up to Level 3 (Diploma).

Speaking at the official launch, Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness, said that there has been a significant increase in the number of students interested in doing vocational application-based training.

He said his Ministry has had to rationalise the provision of the service for technical vocational and applications based training.

“What we are now doing, is to move the level one and level two training into schools, community based organisations and our partners in training, and then elevate the institutions that are run by HEART into a higher level programme, that will now cater for Levels 3, 4, 5,” he stated.

He said that these institutions will eventually become the technical vocational training colleges. However, he lamented that Jamaica has “very limited provisions” for technical vocational applications based training.

Mr. Holness said that technical vocational modules such as those used in Canada, Germany and Australia, benefit from high investment which ensure that these kinds of institutions, that run parallel to the academic institutions, are equally respected and given equal access to job market opportunities.

Investments in these institutions need to be created, as the people are the greatest natural resources of the country, Mr. Holness said.

“We have invested heavily in developing the academic stream of education, we must now do the same for technical and applications based training, so that more persons can find fulfilment in training, (and) certification,” he said.

Executive Director, HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Carolyn Hayle, said that, over time, other HEART institutions will be renamed and rebranded, adding that cosmetology is the first to emerge.

“The intention is to focus on linkages between sectors, the supply chain that feeds tourism and, ultimately, an increase in the multiplier,” he said.

The HEART Trust/NTA School of Cosmetology was founded in 1984, and specializes in cosmetology and beauty services.

By CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS Reporter