No. 1/1999

Changes are starting to happen in this area. In five months a complete occupational profile study has been carried out by CINOP, the Centre for the Innovation of Education and Training. Under the guidance of a steering group from the business community, education and training and the social partners, in a relatively short period the field of study has been defined, the questionnaire and list of activities formulated, the fieldwork (establishing contacts and visiting 68 salons in the Netherlands) performed and the analysis of the collected material carried out. The level of cooperation on the part of respondents was tremendous, and partly due to this cooperation (a response rate of more than 80% being achieved) and the efforts of the steering group it was possible to deliver the profiles.

What resulted are two occupational profiles of the Afro hairdresser, both with a broad field of activity but of differing 'heaviness'. At the present time, a firm foundation has been laid for future training for Afro hair treatment as a result of the establishment of the profiles. The next step is the translation of the occupational profile into a training profile and the associated qualifications and attainment targets. Fitting into the existing qualifications structure in particular is an important step which will still have to be taken.

Although there are training courses for Afro hair in a large number of countries, the Netherlands is the first country where direct coordination with occupational practice has taken place for future training.

For further information: CINOP (Mr. J. Nafzger) Pettelaarpark, 1, Postbus 1585, NL - 5200 BP's-Hertogenbosch - Tel. (31-73) 6800 815, e-mail: jnafzger@cinop.nl

* Afro hair is understood as meaning curly hair of African origin.
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Source: CINOP