The success of City & Guilds hair schools in Malta

All the current private and government City & Guilds hair schools would like to clarify their position with regard to the article published in The Sunday Times of October 1 (page 53).

The article cast doubts on the high professional level of education which the City & Guilds hair schools in Malta are providing.

We cannot see why the hairdressing industry is in for a major change, as alleged. In fact it would be absurd to change a winning formula.

Private and Government hair schools in Malta have been working according to EU standards for a number of years, in conformity with the high levels and standards required by the international City & Guilds educational group.

The article goes on to state that Habia is recognised by the UK government as the standard-setting body for the hair industry in the UK.

This is not being disputed. However, as a standard-setting body it should not and cannot be an awarding body which provides training courses, as this would constitute a conflict of interest.

In fact in the UK, City & Guilds is one of the most respected educational institutions, recognised as one of the education arms for its hair school students.

City & Guilds is not only a strong education body in the UK but on an international level. It is recognised in more countries than any other awarding body.

The allegation made in the article, that City & Guilds International (the overseas arm of the London-based awarding body) "is placing less emphasis on sectors, such as hairdressing, while it shifts its focus to other industries" is, to say the least, incorrect. As a matter of fact City & Guilds accredited schools would like to state the exact opposite - "that they not only are maintaining their interest in Maltese hairdressers but are willing to expand their operation".

This means that any Maltese student with a City & Guilds award in hairdressing has international recognition and hence can work abroad, not only in EU countries, but also worldwide.

This therefore is contrary to what the article said, namely that "hairdressers will require a Habia International Qualification if their training is to be recognised internationally, particularly within the EU".

City & Guilds hair schools in Malta would like to reassure current certificate and diploma holders, as well as any potential students, that this statement is not correct. When contacted, Government entities said that they are bound to recognise all qualifications recognised by EU governments.

Another point we would like to clarify is the impression that Habia has any sort of authority in Malta, as implied in the newly published Yellow Pages in which they describe themselves as an authority on hair and beauty. On checking with the relevant bodies it resulted that the competent authorities within the Education Division are the only ones who can authorise or endorse accreditation.

We strongly contest the allegation that 75 per cent of hairdressing services are delivered by professionals who are not in conformity with the EU.

Since most students of hairdressing come from MCAST and private City & Guilds hair schools, and these have City & Guilds certificates that are actually endorsed by the same people making this claim, it is absurd, to say the least, that they should make such a statement.

City & Guilds schools also offer experienced hairdressers who wish to obtain City & Guilds accreditation the opportunity to do so to consolidate their knowledge and experience by training with City & Guilds, which gives them international recognition.

For further information contact MCAST City & Guilds School, Salon Services City & Guilds Hair School, Beauty Tech City & Guilds Hair School, The International School of Hairdressing and Wella City & Guilds Hairdressing School.

Mr Abela Fitzpatrick is writing on behalf of the Malta City & Guilds accredited hair schools