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Uplifting the Beauty Industry: The Need for Quality Beauty Training Colleges in Africa

Aiming to set Namibia’s beauty industry on the same level as others in Africa, Annemarie Gamperl saw the need for a beauty training college in Namibia. She is the current franchise partner and principal of the Beauty Therapy Institute (BTI) Namibia.

BTI strives to equip individuals with marketable and profitable skills, such as hairdressing, make-up artistry, basic skincare, advanced aesthetics, massage techniques, and nails, amongst many other courses.

They aim to empower students to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs and sought-after professionals in the beauty industry. This ensures that their certified graduates can tap into a growing market and contribute to their region's economic development. The demand for beauty services continues to rise within Africa and beyond.

While the demand for beauty services continues to rise, BTI says there is an urgent need for accredited beauty training schools across African countries. These institutions not only elevate the skills of aspiring beauty industry professionals but also help meet the growing demand from clients for quality services while empowering individuals and fostering economic growth.

The BTI is a group of 20 franchised colleges already in five African countries, with 60 team member professionals in education and administration who promote professionalism and safety standards in the industry. Gamperl says most of them are situated in South Africa.

Filling the gap

While studying in South Africa, Gamperl says she questioned why she had to travel so far to receive her training. She had to leave her family and begin her training. Seeing that South African beauty therapists are greatly sought after, the BTI in Namibia now offers South African beauty qualifications in Namibia. Whether students study in Namibia or other franchises in Africa, the courses are offered at the same level.

BTI emphasizes the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and exceptional customer care to their students, ensuring that the services provided to clients in a beauty salon, aesthetics clinic, or spa are safe and of an exceptional standard.

Growing the economy

BTI considers establishing training schools measured with quality and standards in African countries to play a pivotal role in tackling unemployment challenges faced throughout Africa. “Many of the students who complete their course at the BTI end up employers and make an income for themselves. They open their own salons and other businesses. Sometimes they meet others here to start a business with. This is the direction I wish to see them follow,” said Gamperl

A current student at BTI, Jessica Bause says while she tried to find a career to venture into, her mother told her about BTI where women can excel in the beauty industry. Her mother suggested that she look into it and see if she is interested.

Bause found it therapeutic to work with clients. “I never knew so much as I do now about the beauty industry. I thought it was only practical work, but theory is part of the courses offered as well. I am happy to be here and I am better able to assist others with these services," she said.

Classes are offered during the week and on Saturdays for those who wish to study part-time or have time off from work if they wish to redirect their careers towards the beauty industry.

Students who wish to enroll at BTI can do so throughout the year. They can contact the institute and then receive an application form and share the required documents.