Proper grooming and professional appearance are important to create not just a positive impression but also gain respect in the workplace.

In a 3 day training workshop held the Fiji National University’s Naviti Centre in Lautoka, 20 unemployed youth for the greater Nadroga, Navosa, Ba and Ra provinces were told of the importance of a barber in our community.

“A barber is a person whose occupation is mainly to cut, dress, groom, style and shave men's and boys' hair so you will understand the role a barber or hairdresser plays in our communities” said trainer Ms Rayelene Bennion.

Introducing participants to the basics of barbering, the National Training and Productivity Centre trainer articulated the importance of hygiene and infection control.

“The right tool for the right job is an important recommendation when barbering. It will help you groom your clients effectively and gives them satisfaction ensuring their return for the next haircut” Ms Bennion stressed to the youths.

The training, while touching on the correct use of tools implements, equipment and products, also introduces participants to learn basic men’s barbering haircuts, infection control and safety measures, after care and retailing of after care products.

Coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the training, while creating a better pathways for success for the rural based youth, also helps them gain necessary skills and knowledge to start their own businesses.

In line with Government’s priority for the development of young people, the training also contributes to the idea of modernising remote villages and settlements and minimises the rural to urban drift.

Nailaga youth, Manoa Turaganikeli, said the training was helpful in improving his skills as a barber.

“I have been practising a bit in the village and I found this training very interesting and helpful as it will improve my skills in barbering. I will use this as an income generating project that will help me, my family and my village” Mr Turaganikeli explained.

Realising the importance of youth empowerment and up skilling, Ms Sera Navalili, said that a lot has been learnt and of importance is how to manage a small business.

“In this training I’ve learnt a lot of things that can help us to run a business. I hope that the Ministry of Youth and Sports will provide more training that can help other youths in the country as it helped us a lot by improving our knowledge and skills” she said.

The youths also received hair grooming kits from the Ministry to start their own businesses in barbering at their respective communities.