Since she was in 5th grade Ghada (seated) has always dreamed of opening her own beauty salon. In 1994, she successfully graduated from the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Khanyounis in the Gaza Strip. Now, 12 years later, she is the owner of 2 beauty salons with a total of 14 employees.

She is eager to further expand the two salons, and to attract more skilled employees. Therefore, she is now enrolled in the Work Based Learning programme of her former training institution in Khanyounis. Since this year, the VTC works closely together with the private sector to give their beautification students an internship period in the private sector during their studies. This cooperation allows the students to acquire more practical skills in the private sector and to be better positioned to find a job afterwards. The advantages of this system for the private sector are that they receive trainees who already have theoretical skills, and who might, once graduated also become employees.

“I would like to further expand my beauty salons, but it is not easy to find skilled employees. Therefore, I enrolled in the Work Based Learning scheme”  - Ghada

Ghada will accept 4 students from the VTC as trainees. In the beginning she will just cover their food expenses, but once they become more productive, they will receive a proper salary. Also the tasks the students will execute will gradually become more difficult, and will depend on the progress and motivation of the students themselves. After the end of the training period, she will hire all students that meet the requirements and have obtained the skills to become good employees.