Mandeville, Manchester — Twenty students from various communities in southern Manchester have been given the chance of getting a new skill through the Jamalco Career Enhancement programme (JCEP), according to a news release circulated here.

The release from bauxite/alumina company Jamalco said the cosmetology course, which is being offered in collaboration with the HEART Trust/NTA at the Winston Jones High School, offers training in chemical hair relaxing, shampooing, styling and wig making. Students are also being taught to colour hair as well as manicuring and pedicuring.

JCEP is geared towards providing practical training for persons, who, for whatever reason, were unable to complete their secondary education. Upon successful completion of the course, each student will be awarded a HEART Level 2 certification.

Principal of Winston Jones High School, Dr Marrie Wilson-McLaughlin, said that she is happy that Jamalco has decided to partner with her school to offer the course to students. Describing the programme as a “second-chance” for students who did not get to finish high school, she said that the students are very excited about the course and eventually acquiring a skill.

Terianna Townsend, a student enrolled in the course, said that she was enjoying the opportunity. “I am learning a lot of new things about cosmetology and customer relations and this will help me open my own business in the future”, she said.

The programme began in November 2016 and will culminate May 2017.