Unemployed women receive training

The abundance of beauty salons in St Vincent and the Grenadines has created a serious shortage of salon workers. Even though more workers are being trained, they cannot keep up with demand, as many beauticians migrate or start their own operations, sometimes in their own homes.{{more}}

When Jean Audain-Hinds of AJ’s salon in Chateaubelair needed new workers, she went to the Skills Training Division for referrals, but was told there weren’t any workers available, so she would have to train new workers if she wanted.

Audain-Hinds took the offer, and is presently training four young women in cosmetology at her salon. Three of the women were teenage mothers, and none of them had completed secondary school. They are, however, very enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity.

They began training on Monday of last week. At this stage, the women are being taught professional development, but later on will be taught weaving, colouring, make up, manicures, bacteriology and the use of machines and salon implements. The course will end in March 2008 after a final exam.

Audain Hinds told SEARCHLIGHT that she hopes that the women take the training seriously. “It is not all about glamour. It’s a lot of hard work and long hours,” she said. The women are being paid a monthly stipend to offset transportation costs.(AC)