Last month saw the official launch of Habia Malta, making Malta the latest country to join the Habia (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority) family. What does this mean for the local hairdressing industry?
On 2 and 3 October the Habia team welcomed press, government and industry officials in recognition of its partnership with the local hairdressing industry with a series of meetings, conferences, interviews, visits and shows to mark the occasion.
UK hairdressing and beauty holds international acclaim in terms of creativity, innovation and ingenuity, largely due to the education and training systems that have been put in place.
Consequently, UK standards have been in huge demand, which has led to the development of the Habia International Qualification (HIQ) for the international market.
The introduction of the HIQ to Malta will raise hairdressing standards across the country and give learners the opportunity to visit or work in the other countries that offer the same qualifications
The HIQ will also offer prospective students and the staff in the more than 500 hairdressing businesses in Malta the chance to be trained to UK standards, which will help the Maltese hairdressing industry raise its profile internationally and gain recognition and custom from the island’s sizeable tourist trade.
The next step that Habia Malta will be taking, after speaking to individuals at the launch, is to set up an advisory board comprising of representatives from all aspects of the hair and beauty industry including schools, training centres, manufacturers and salon owners.
The board is expected to contribute and advise on issues concerning Habia Malta, and provide guidance towards finding solutions. Habia CEO Alan Goldsbro commented: “The Maltese people are clearly committed to providing the very best in qualifications and services. I can absolutely trust that the passion and enthusiasm they show for the industry will be seen throughout all the work we do together.”
Habia have been working for more than 15 years with partners around the globe in countries such as Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Korea and the USA, to raise standards, promote good practice in the industry and licence the use of Habia standards abroad.
Mr Goldsbro added: “We are so pleased to have Malta join the Habia family and look forward to helping the Maltese hairdressing industry in furthering its achievements and reputation.”
From January, Habia International qualifications at levels 1 and 2 will be delivered by Habia Malta through accredited training centres throughout Malta and Gozo. Training will be provided to college-based full-time learners and part-time work-based learners (hairdressers and staff). Registrations will be taken during November and December 2006.
For more information contact Habia Malta on Tel:2149-9830, mobile: 9944-2073 or on www.malta.habia.org
Goldwell Academy (Accredited by Habia)
Tel: 2147-2325
email:
[email protected]