12 September 2001

FAR EAST MEETS NORTH WEST

For 22 year old Ching Ming Hung, the move from China to Coleraine has led to PERManent success as she fulfils a lifetime goal by training to become a hairdresser.

Educated in China, Ching moved to Northern Ireland three years ago. She explains why she pinned her hopes on a career in hairdressing:

"I was always the person that was pinning up my friend’s hair before a night out or blow drying or curling it to give them a new look. Watching how this boosted their confidence gave me great personal satisfaction.

"As English is my second language I was experiencing a little difficulty in reading and writing. I visited Coleraine JobCentre and my Personal Adviser, Rae Robinson arranged basic skills tuition in order to help develop my English further.

"At the moment I am attending Limavady College of Further and Higher Education and training to become a hairdresser. I am grateful to New Deal for making my dream come true!"

Rae Robinson, Ching’s Personal Adviser at Coleraine JobCentre says: "I was delighted that New Deal was able to help Ching overcome the barriers to work that she was experiencing. Ching has a great deal of determination and drive, and it has been very rewarding to help her access the training she needed for her future career."

Ching’s enthusiasm for her career was clear when she actively found her own placement at Madame Margo’s unisex hair salon in Portstewart.

Margo says: "Ching attends my salon every Friday as part of her hairdressing course. She is getting on very well. Clients respond very positively to Ching’s pleasant attitude.

"As the weeks have progressed Ching’s confidence has improved as has her command of English. Ching is very eager to learn and her skills are shining through."

For further information on the New Deal programme contact your local JobCentre on freephone (0800) 353530.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE AT THE DEPARTMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING ON 028 9025 7792 OR ANNA SHIELS/NEIL LYNAS AT CARMAH COMMUNICATIONS ON 028 9127 5965.