It was a red carpet event at this year’s Nail Excellence Skills Development Centre graduation ceremony that took place at the Cullinan Diamond Lodge on Friday, October 7.
More than 100 young women received their SETA-accredited certificates in either Nail Technology or Beauty Therapy.
The centre offers black women between the ages of 18 and 29 who are living in the townships of Refilwe, Onverwacht, KwaMhlanga, Cullinan, Rayton, Enkangala and Hammanskraal to obtain skills to empower themselves to earn a living and help their families.
“We focus on skills training and provide an education platform for the individual who has a learning disability (writing and reading), as we focus on practical skills,” said Martlie Allan, CEO of the Nail Excellence Skills Development Centre.
Allan further said they are enabling young black South African women to conquer all their fears and strive to build their future with success, selflessness and independence.
The 12-month courses offered are free as most of the learners come from difficult financial backgrounds and do not have access to money to further their studies.
This is made possible by the Labour Market Activation (LMA) group which provides strategic support in addressing youth unemployment by partnering with government, business and civil society.
“We assist young people to find jobs, become economically active, receive relevant and accredited training, and become South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs,” said LMAplus CEO, Werner Smith.
The Nail Excellence Skills Centre depends largely on monthly and annual sponsors to fund students as a 12-month course amounts to R8400 per student.
These courses include a fully equipped training facility, SETA-accredited facilitators, assessors and moderators, as well as SETA-accredited learning material for their class attendance once a week.
“We strive to keep up with the market trends, and therefore provide product workshops for the students by experts in their field of work – thus inspiring our students to become the best they can be,” said Allan.
The centre, situated at the Cullinan Jewel Centre, has been operational for 24 years and the college for the last three years.
They currently have 400 students who are set to graduate in 2023. Each month they take in new students as they receive new sponsorships.
For more information, contact Martlie Allan via email at martlie@nailexcellence.co.za or on 083 258 9995.
