Lakme Lever, Aptech enter tie-up for beauty academies

Lakmé Lever, a subsidiary of Hindustan Unilever, and education-training firm Aptech are coming together to set up beauty training academies across India. The alliance intends to set up 100 academies to train 50,000 stylists across India over the next five years.

Pushkaraj Shenai, chief executive, Lakmé Lever, said an increased spending power and beauty consciousness has bolstered the beauty sector: There has been a steady compound annual growth rate of 20 per cent over the past few years. He added Lakmé Lever has 35 years' experience and 250 salons across 70 cities.

Shenai said there is an increased demand for skilled staff but a lack of quality educational institutes, leading to talent crunch in the beauty sector.

As a part of this partnership, Lakmé will design content and course modules, train trainers, and certify students. Aptech will be responsible for the academy operations. 'Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech' will offer both foundation and advanced training in skin, hair, and make-up. The courses will integrate soft skills development into the curriculum.

Ninad Karpe, managing director and chief executive, Aptech, said according to a report by the National Skill Development Corporation, this sector will require 14.2 million additional skilled professionals in 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing job creators.

The first Lakmé Academy is set to open in Ahmedabad.

Shenai said Lakmé Lever is all geared up to reach its target of opening two salons each week.

"The focus will initially be on building the academy network in metros, where there is a high demand for salon staff. In the second phase, we will consider opportunities in Tier-I and Tier-II towns," Shenai added.