Cosmetology and barbering students at Frederick Smith Secondary now have a new lab equipped with the necessary tools to help kick start their career in the beauty industry.
With a contribution of equipment valued at BDS $60,000 from No1 Beauty Supply, the classroom space has been transformed into a salon where students will be expected to demonstrate competence in their field which aligns to regional standards developed by practitioners, industry experts and employees in preparation for the world of work.
Speaking at the dedication of the lab, Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw said she is satisfied that the private sector continues to respond positively to the Ministry’s call for additional resources, whether it be in the form of painting initiatives, adoption of school plants, or the recent G-Suite education tech drive project.
Bradshaw explained that before assessments can take place for certification, the labs are studied to ensure compliance with industry standards. She said non-compliance means that students are unable to be certified using the lab at their school, and noted that Frederick Smith students can now boast that their new facility meets industry standards.
The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with the industry not only financially but also to provide job attachments and internships to assist in the development of workplace skills and lifelong learning. She encouraged other entities to help the Ministry create learner centre environments.
“To date, there are eight schools pursuing Cosmetology and Barbering. These are Springer Memorial, Princess Margaret, St Leonard’s Boys, Parkinson Memorial, St George and Graydon Sealy and now here at Frederick Smith Secondary. Of the eight schools, five labs were established through the support of private partners. Of those five, Frederick Smith Secondary and St George Secondary were fully outfitted by No1 Beauty Supply and Springer Memorial’s was shared with another donor. Additionally, all eight schools have benefitted from private-sector donations of beauty supplies to support student practice and assessments,” she said.
Minister Bradshaw also revealed that between 2017 and 2019, students were certified and assessments for education will continue into summer. Frederick Smith Secondary will have seven students be assessed, even though they have only recently begun the cosmetology and barbering programme.
Bradshaw urged parents to encourage and support their children in their respective area of studies. And at the same time, she urged the students who would be using the new facility to care about the investment.
Principal Michael Boyce said almost 40 students are involved in the programme and noted that the fully outfitted room will enhance the learning experience. Boyce said those who want to join the programme are first advised that it comes as a full package with Human and Social Biology, English, Mathematics, Cosmetology and Barbering since they must be fully prepared for the assessment.
Boyce told those gathered that the programme was started after students requested it is added to the school’s curriculum.
Owner of No 1 Beauty Supply Mohammed Jaouni said he quietly makes his contribution to schools to improve students’ learning experience, because he believes that the youth should be engaged in positive activities, instead of participating in wasteful or illegal activities which would not benefit them in the future.
“We don’t give them the fish. We teach them how to catch the fish so that they can benefit. I see young boys and girls like my son and my daughter, and I would like them to have a career in the future. So beauty and barbering are good careers and that is in my field and whatever it takes, I would love to see them have a career,” Jaouni said.
Meanwhile, student Jada Lamontagne who described herself as an aspiring cosmetologist said not only was she happy that her school is now offering the programme, but she is also excited to be among the first to benefit from the new facility. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb
