Formerly the School of Cosmetology, it has grown into the leading training institution in the field of cosmetology in the Caribbean, offering up to level four (associate degree) in professional make-up artistry and hairdressing. Spa therapy, massage therapy and general beauty therapy courses are offered up to level three (diploma).

Speaking at the official launch, Minister of Education Andrew Holness, said that there has been a significant increase in the number of students interested in doing vocational application-based training.

He said his ministry has had to rationalise the provision of the service for technical-vocational and applications based training.

"What we are now doing, is to move the level-one and level-two training into schools, community-based organisations and our partners in training, and then elevate the institutions that are run by HEART into a higher level programme, that will now cater for levels three, four and five," he stated.

He said that these institutions will eventually become the technical-vocational training colleges. However, he lamented that Jamaica has 'very limited provisions' for technical vocational applications-based training.

Holness said that technical-vocational modules such as those used in Canada, Germany and Australia, benefit from high investment which ensure that these kinds of institutions, that run parallel to the academic institutions, are equally respected and given equal access to job-market opportunities.

Investments in these institutions need to be created as the people are the greatest natural resources of the country, Mr Holness said.

"We have invested heavily in developing the academic stream of education, we must now do the same for technical and applications- based training, so that more persons can find fulfilment in training, [and] certification," he said.