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Beauty Wise

Now, get trained to be a professional makeup artist, spa specialist and even nail expert!

Jagmeeta Thind Joy

IT’S a sign of changing times. At a time when every other beauty salon provides the services of a spa, French manicures are the done thing and hair extensions are buzzwords, it’s but natural there will be training changes too. Keeping up with the ever transforming beauty and health industry, VLCC Institute of Beauty, Health and Management, a comprehensive vocational training academy has made additions to its menu of courses on offer. ‘‘This year, according to news reports Delhi University received as many as 70,000 less applications as compared to the last couple years. And that’s because youngsters are opting for professional vocational courses,’’ informs Dr G S Kochar, director of VLCC’s education wing, who was in town to talk about the new additions. Interestingly, these short term courses are seen as specializations in the field of beauty or for anyone looking at widening their job prospects. ‘‘The last couple of years have seen a boom in the entertainment, media and fashion industry which in turn has generated a huge number of opportunities for the youth,’’ further explains Kochar who rates the short term courses as self-starters. ‘‘The professional make-up courses for instance are great for those looking at careers in Bollywood. In fact, we ran training programmes for the makeup crew at Sahara television for almost a year,’’ informs the director who also mentions the institute’s affiliation to the UK-based City & Guilds.

‘‘Unfortunately, the beauty industry has been fairly unorganized in the country and there are no benchmarks for quality. That’s where this UK organization helps. Our students can sit for their exams to obtain a globally recognized certificate,’’ adds Dr Kochar. Interestingly, students looking at careers overseas are the ones lining up for these professional courses. ‘‘We often have queries from places like UAE, Dubai, Canada who want trained staff for their specialized beauty treatments,’’ Dr Kochar goes on to explain. And by no means is beauty a business option for the ladies. ‘‘Our advance diploma in cosmetology is one of the most sought after and we have a number of men lining up seeking admissions,’’ sums up Kochar.

posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 3:14 PM