Mandatory training for beauty salon workers evokes mixed response

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA THE Ministry of Labour’s recent decision to launch a mandatory training course in association with the Social Development Centre (SDC) for beauticians and beauty salon workers has evoked mixed reaction among the owners and employees of beauty parlours in the country.

A section of the owners feels that the decision may affect the work at their parlours adversely since most of their employees do not have the required professional certificates, while the other feels that it will bring about a qualitative change in the services offered by beauty salons in the country.

It is worth mentioning here that the Ministry of Labour signed a memorandum of understanding with Social Development Centre to launch a training programme for beauty salon employees in January this year. There are more than 400 beauty salons in Qatar.

Owner of Julnar Beauty Centre, Nada Abdulaziz, said: “I did the beautician’s course in France, and on my return to Qatar opened my own beauty parlour. I have six employees from different nationalities most of whom did not have relevant experience in the field when I recruited them. But today, they are as good as any trained beautician. They have learnt the job through observation and practice.” She added, “The decision will put an additional financial burden on beauty salons as the owners will have to bear the cost of training of the staff as well. However, if the decision must be implemented, then, the authorities must ensure that the training is provided at an affordable cost.” Echoing her point of view, the director of Sama (sky) Salon, Mi Majdi described experience as the most important qualification in this sector. She said: “I have 16 employees from different nationalities. Despite having no professional certificates, they are good at their job.

They provide a wide range of services to the customers.” Another beauty salon owner expressed her apprehension that the decision might also encourage job hopping among trained staff affecting the work at their parlours adversely.

She added, “The authorities must be having their own reasons for the decision. But, before they implement it, they must specify the cost and the duration of the training programme. We would also like to know if the salons will be allowed to hike the charges”.

However, some owners are happy with the decision of the Ministry as they feel that it will improve the services offered by beauty salons in the country. According to them, the job requires expertise and caution and therefore, proper training is a must for beauty salon workers. They, however, sought clarifications on the costs and other details of the programme.

Speaking on the issue, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Labour Hussain al Mulla said that the decision was taken following complaints by some women against the staff of some beauty salons, which led to beauty related problems in them.

Mulla pointed out that the coordination with the Social Development Centre aims to create effective mechanism to organise beauty salon business and provide safe and secure services to customers.

He added, “The Ministry of Labour will take care of the implementation of the decision whereas SDC will review and verify certificates and qualifications, so that clients feel safe and reassured about receiving quality services at the hands of experts.”

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