Olatawura, others advocate for skill acquisition to boost job creation

In a bid to upskill young Nigerians, provide employment while delivering utmost quality in the field of aesthetics, foremost aesthetic clinic, Laserderm Group, through its academy, Laserderm Aesthetics Academy, recently graduated 26 trained aestheticians from its academy.

After months of intense training where they were exposed to different courses and best practices, COO, Laserderm Group, Omolade Olatawura said looking at the quality of knowledge gained, she is confident that not only are the new aestheticians well grounded, they were fit and ready to take up jobs anywhere in the world.

Encouraging the new graduates at the graduation ceremony held in Lagos, Dr Bruce Nwachie of Skintetics, said the industry is expanding exponentially in the country, thereby creating plenty of opportunities for them. He added that this is the right time for people to get into the field and with dedication, success is sure.

Advising them to work hard and remain innovative, Managing Director, Skye Medical Aesthetics Centre, Ivie Omoregie on her part said the new aestheticians should continue to look out for new trends in the industry to help them stand out. “Focus on your path and do not look at what others are doing. Most importantly, do not cut corners and be as ethical as possible in everything you do, in the products you use and treatments you offer.”

Speaking further, Olatawura advised the new aestheticians to remain focused and remember all they learned. “While loving what you do, you must remain passionate about it.” Speaking on the academy’s growth, she revealed that this year is bigger than last year as they have more students now as awareness has grown. “Students are coming based on referral and it makes us happy because it shows we are doing something good. Next month, we have a lot of people already indicating interest and coming to register, just from referrals alone. We have double the graduands this year from last year as well as higher scores, all these makes us happy.”

She went on to add that with the situation in the country presently, skill acquisition is key and she is trying to get more people to skill up through the academy. “Here, you will learn about aesthetics, skincare and we have an exam and certification we offer, the ITEC certification, that allows our students work in 33 countries all over the world. This is a great opportunity for anyone and it is no surprise our students and graduates are leaving for other countries. I can only tell others to come learn a skill, improve yourself and take ownership of your life.”

Head of school, Omotoke Sikaiye told the graduates that applying themselves and what they learned would only help them get better over time. Speaking on the student’s marketability, Sikaiye said, “The industry is small and making a good name for yourself is very important. We are the only school dedicated to aesthetics and we have honed our skills in this area. Also, we are the foremost aesthetic clinic in this part of the world and we are accredited internationally, therefore everything students get here is of international standard, they can compete favourably with anyone in the world.”

The best graduating student, Naomi Ojekwe, said the journey to becoming a licensed aesthetician was tough but certainly worth it. “Being the best graduating student makes me feel seen and appreciated for all my hard work and dedication. I plan to keep working in aesthetics, take more certifications and expand my skills,” she said.