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Kevin Tsang Chun-wun (second row, first from the left) and his colleagues on a container ship Lam putting make-up on a model at a promotional event of a cosmetics brand
Photo courtesy of Kelvin Tsang Chun-wun Photo courtesy of Janice Lam Shun-ka

vides more theoretical knowledge of and are only accepted under special She says one-third of her academy’s
business management, the MSTI fo- consideration. graduates end up being full-time
cuses on practical skills. make-up artists.
However, Tsang says a promising Growing popularity of make-up art- A career as a make-up artist has
career is still attainable even for sail- ists in the labour market gained more recognition as a profes-
ors without a degree. Some higher- University graduates have joined sion in society. “The income of an av-
ranking positions, such as captain, private institutions for retraining op- erage make-up artist is already com-
chief officer and chief engineer, do not portunities. One example is GLOW parable to that of a manager in a large
require a degree. Makeup Academy by Janice Lam. firm,” Lam says.
Many of their students are university “University education is more
Courses for sub-degree holders by students, and some are banking pro- rigid, in comparison with vocational
Employees Retraining Board fessionals. training courses,” she adds.
The government offers compre- Academy owner Janice Lam Shun-
hensive support to cater to the needs ka says their programme consists of Edited by Sarah Poon
of low-skilled workers. According to 20 classes and is approved by the gov-
a written reply from Employees Re- ernment’s qualifications framework.
training Board (ERB), it funds and Apart from in-class learning, students
co-ordinates a network of 80 Training can gain hands-on experience by
Bodies, providing around 700 training working as helpers in freelance jobs.
courses across 28 different industries.
The courses by ERB target employ-
ees aged 15 or above, with educational
attainment at sub-degree level or be-
low. In other words, university gradu-
ates are not eligible for application