12 graduate from local Cosmetology Training Academy

In an afternoon ceremony on Thursday, March 16, students of the Stylin’ Chic by Auldine Cosmetology Training Academy received their official certificates after six months of intense training. Through its training programme, the academy, over the past 15 years, has been providing young women with the skills they need to flourish in the areas of professional image, haircutting and hairstyling, make-up artistry, acrylic and nail care, as well as facials.

A total of twelve young ladies graduated at the ceremony, held at the Peace Memorial Hall. Ten of them received certificates in Cosmetology and of the 10, six also received specialized certificates in the area of Acrylic and Nail design. Two individuals received certificates in Make-up Artistry. The ceremony also saw special recognition being given to Sylvonne Williams, the valedictorian and recipient of the award for most outstanding student in cosmetology academics. Her colleague, Marshia Williams, was the recipient of the award for most outstanding student in cosmetology practical, as well as the winner of the graduation ‘Hair battle,’ while Cara Chance was recognized for being the most improved student over the training period. On the other hand, Mkada Ashton received a scholarship from tutor and cosmetologist Auldine Browne, in the field of Barbering. Having received this training, the women can now compile their portfolio with their exam results to submit to the Sector Skills Development Agency in the Ministry of Education. They will then receive their Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 1 Cosmetology training competency certificate from the agency.

Key highlights from last Thursday’s graduation include a presentation by Dwight Lewis, coordinator at the Sector Skills Development Agency in the Ministry of Education, who encouraged the graduates to take their career to the next level by continuing their training; he further informed attendees that that the CVQ consists of five levels and by stepping up to Level 2, the students will be equipped to be autonomous workers. Furthermore, he informed the graduates of the Prior Learning Assessment Recognition Programme being offered by the Sector Skills Development Agency, where individuals can become certified by having their assessments done in person at their workplace, once they have registered to be assessed.

The feature address was delivered by barrister-at-law, Rochelle Forde-Duncan, who had the benefit of seeing dozens of young ladies being trained by the academy. Forde-Duncan stressed, among other things, the importance of the students persevering, furthering their education in the area, as well as having a good work ethic and maintaining good business relationships.

The Stylin’ Chic by Auldine Cosmetology Training Academy is led by owner and cosmetologist Auldine Browne who is currently completing her Level Four assessor’s competency programme, which is the equivalent of an assessor’s Bachelor’s Degree, therefore making her more equipped to be a more effective trainer.