Hair and beauty students visit London!

NULC hair and beauty students spent two days in London to learn about the different career opportunities in the hair and beauty industry and visited several London attractions and a musical.

Hairdressing students visited the Kevin Fortune Academy which was founded in 2013 by celebrity Hair stylist and Makeup Artist, Kevin Fortune. The students received an inspiring talk which informed students about the different exciting career opportunities in the industry including being a celebrity hair stylist, working on magazine covers and music videos.

Beauty Lecturer, Gabrielle Whittaker said: “Our hairdressing students thoroughly enjoyed visiting the academy and hearing about the different career opportunities in the industry and felt very inspired.”

Beauty students visited Dermalogica in Selfridges, where they learned about face mapping skin analysis from a professional skin therapist which is the process of analysing the skin in order to recommend the best products to improve the health of their skin. They also learned about the different career opportunities in the beauty industry.

After the students had visited the Academy and Dermalogica they then visited several London attractions including: Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and M & M World. The students then spent the evening in Leicester Square before watching Wicked the Musical and taking a trip on the London Eye.

If you would like to find out more about our range of hair and beauty courses, click here: http://www.nulc.ac.uk/courses/hairdressing-beauty-therapy.html

NULC hairdressing apprentice wins national competition

Hairdressing apprentice Clare Page has won at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) national college Hairdressing and Beauty Competition.
Clare Page, 33, from Tean, is a hairdressing apprentice at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC). Clare works at the hair and beauty salon Shades of Tean, Staffordshire.
Clare was named National Champion - First Year Blow Dry when she won the competition at the Blackpool Winter Gardens last week.
"The AHT competition win for Clare was fantastic for someone who is only five months into their training programme." Said NULC's Transform Hair, Beauty and Floristry Centre Manager, Anthony Keates.
"Clare received great training and support from her lecturer Amy Stott which, along with the encouragement from the salon, was instrumental to Clare's success."
NULC offers a Level 2 Apprenticeship and a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in hairdressing. These allow students to learn from professional hairdressers on the job whilst also receiving tuition in the College which features its own Transform professional salon where students are supervised while working on customers' hair.
Said Clare: "I'm so grateful to be given the opportunity to enter the competition – and to win has made my dreams come true. I'd like to thank Lynn Plant and the girls at
Shades Hair and Beauty for all their support and Anthony and the team at NULC for their encouragement and belief in me."
NULC is currently training around 1,000 apprentices. For further information on what NULC can do for business including recruitment, training and apprenticeships, please visit: www.nulc.ac.uk/nulc-for-business.

Hair and beauty students are a cut above the rest at area competition

On Monday 2 February, 36 excited NULC hair and beauty students attended the North West area heat for the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists Competition in Blackpool.

During the day they participated in competitions including Ladies cut and blow dry and beauty looks including team bridal and 1940's themes.

 

In the Ladies cut and blow dry category NULC full-time mature Hairdressing student Anetta Palasz achieved third place and NULC apprentice Dominique Nind achieved first place and in the blow dry category apprentice Clare Page achieved first place!

 

Anetta said, "I am so pleased to be progressing to the final round, it's a great experience to showcase our skills and techniques that I have learned whilst being an apprentice at NULC and I can't wait to start and prepare for the finals!"

  

Anetta, Dominique and Claire will advance to the final round in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on 16 March 2015 where other area finalist will compete, prizes include £100 for first place, £50 for second place and £30 for third place.

 

Lorraine Drayton, Curriculum Leader in Hairdressing at NULC said, "The competition is a fantastic way to get the students participating in a range of activities where they can showcase their

skills and gain useful experience for the future."

 

If you would like to know more about Hair and Beauty courses at NULC, click here: http://www.nulc.ac.uk/courses/hairdressing-beauty-therapy.html

 

 

 

Ethos Hairdressing Event at NULC

Monday 29 September, saw Sharon Peak and Adam Bryant, directors of Ethos Hairdressing, Manchester, visit Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) for an event complete with live demonstrations accompanied with a talk from the two hairdressers.

 

Anthony Keates, Centre Manager for Transform said "Together Sharon and Adam are a perfect blend of conceptual hairdressing. They are both big believers in sharing knowledge and actively encourage their team to experiment in order to discover new ideas and techniques."

 

Students, parents and staff gathered in NULC's auditorium where the two hairdressers gave a live demonstration, with six NULC students taking part as models during the session. Sharon and Adam both talked about their careers, giving students a valuable insight into hairdressing techniques, products and how it is to run your own hairdressing salon.

After the live demonstration guests were invited to view the results in the Transform Salon and ask the two guest speakers questions about their experiences and careers within hairdressing.

 

For more information about any of our hair, beauty or floristry courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk

Top hairstylists showcase apprenticeships

Top hair stylist Anne Veck showcased her work to local hairdressers in a bid to encourage apprenticeship recruitment.

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) organised the event which was free by invitation to local hairdressers interested in recruiting an apprentice.

The event was held at the College’s £60 million campus on Knutton Lane and featured hairdressing demonstrations by Anne Veck who was supported by current NULC apprentices and colour work by Matrix.

Anne Veck is one of a selection of the UK’s top hairdressers working with the College throughout the year to educate fellow hairdressers and highlight the benefits of apprentices to local employers.
Phil Davies, Business Development Manager, at NULC said: “The event was the second in a number of events working with top hairstylists and was another huge success with over 100 in attendance, including more than 30 employers.” 

Phil continued: “The events are designed to showcase quality work by top UK hairdressers to local businesses and let employers know that we can support them to develop quality apprentices whose training may be paid for and who could attract a £1500 grant.”

The National Apprenticeship Service will provide AGE 16 to 24 grants, with an individual value of £1,500, to eligible employers in respect of qualifying apprentices. AGE 16 to 24 is available to employers of less than 1,000 employees, who can confirm they are not able to employ the apprentice without the initiative and who have not had a new recruit or existing employee start an Apprenticeship in the last 12 months

NULC offers an Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, NVQ Level 2 in Barbering, and an Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy.
Any employers that are interested in attending forthcoming events or hiring an apprentice should visit www.nulc.ac.uk/events or contact Phil Davies on 01782 254122 or email philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk.

Students pamper local residents

Students studying Hair and Beauty at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have been providing pamper sessions to local elderly residents.

Tutor Lorraine Drayton, was joined by three students studying VRQ Level 2 Hair;  Kim Steele, Sian Lancaster and Callum Young and three students studying Level 1 Beauty; Jessica Bailey, Poppy Garside-Chell and Hannah Tomkinson, who visited the Kimberley Grange sheltered housing centre, Cross Heath.

During the pamper sessions students used their expertise to provide haircuts and blow-dries along with manicures and facial massage to a number of residents.  The pamper sessions allowed elderly residents the opportunity to have hair and beauty treatments in the comfort of their own home.

The event has provided the College with links in the local community and given students assessment opportunities on different hair types and the chance to develop skills working with elderly clients.

Lorraine Drayton, Curriculum Leader for Hairdressing at the College, said: “We would like to foster the links with Kimberley Grange and expand the number of students and residents who can take part.  We’re currently looking at options where students visit on a monthly or six weekly basis.  The residents have also expressed an interest in visiting the College’s Transform Salon where they would be able to take advantage of hair colouring and perms.”

To find out more about the range of Hair and Beauty courses available at Newcastle-under-Lyme College visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Charity Fundraiser

Event welcomes prospective apprentices

Young people aspiring to become hairdressing apprentices took part in a workshop at Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s Transform Salon.

The event was organised by Business Development Manager for Hair and Beauty, Phil Davies for prospective apprentices, reaffirming that both the employers and apprentices have made the right choice.

Phil said: “The event provided the opportunity for the prospective apprentices to bond with each other, develop confidence and above all have a fun experience.”

During the day topics covered included introductions to;
•             Professional Consultations
•             Professional Shampoo and Conditioning services
•             Professional Blow-drying
•             Importance of delivering Professional Client Care and Service

At the end of the event learners had the opportunity to provide feedback on the event, with comments including;
“Rewarding learning how to blow dry someone’s hair properly”
“Helped improve my confidence”
“I enjoyed the session and it gave my confidence a boost as it was my first blow-dry”
“Lovely salon, great staff.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships in Hairdressing visit www.nulc.ac.uk/apprenticeships or contact Phil Davies on 01782 254122 or email Philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk.

Students train with 'the best of the best'

Two Hairdressing students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) secured a work placement with top hairdresser Trevor Sorbie.

Michelle Croft, aged 26 from Newcastle and Paige Light aged 21 from Fenton, both study Level 3 Hairdressing at the College and have spent one day a week for the past five months working at the world renowned Trevor Sorbie salon in Manchester.

Anthony Keates, Curriculum Manager for Hair and Beauty at the College, said: “This placement has given Paige and Michelle an insight into the hairdressing industry from one of the very best names in the industry.  

Trevor Sorbie has inspired them to be the best they can be and the additional skills they’ve learnt they are already putting in to practice at the College’s own Transform Salon.”

During the placement Michelle and Paige have spent nine hours a day supporting the Trevor Sorbie team and helping the salon to function successfully on a busy Saturday shift.

Former St Peters Academy pupil, Paige said: “The work placement has been an incredible opportunity to work with the very best of the best in the hairdressing industry.”

Anthony Keates, Curriculum Manager for Hair and Beauty at the College organised the work placement in conjunction with Manager of Trevor Sorbie, Sarah Illingworth.

The placement will support the students in their applications for employment, as they complete their studies and begin to seek full-time employment.

Anthony commented: “Having experience like this on your CV, provides the students with an advantage when seeking employment.  Here at Newcastle-under-Lyme College we’re keen to provide our students with both the technical training and employability skills which employers are looking for.”

The College operates its own commercial hair and beauty salon - Transform Salon and Spa – which is open to the public and offers a wide range of services in sophisticated surroundings at the College’s state-of-the-art hair, beauty and holistic therapies spa.

To find out more about studying Hairdressing at Newcastle-under-Lyme College visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Rebecca Lawson shines on beauty course

Congratulations to NULC student Rebecca Lawson who has recently completed the Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy.  Rebecca is the first student to achieve the new VTCT award Certificate in Excellence at NULC.  Rebecca was also awarded Student of Month earlier in the year.

To find out more about studying Hair and Beauty and NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Industry experts showcase skills

Industry experts from Matrix joined forces with the Transform Salon at NULC to host an inspiring event for students and employers.

Matrix who work in partnership with the Transform Salon at NULC hosted the event to showcase the latest collections from Matrix.  Marcus Shamin, Matrix Global Artistic Director and Peter Usher, Matrix UK Artistic Director presented five different cuts and colours from the brands latest collections.

The Hairdressing Skill Squad also took to the floor to present three looks that they have been working on to promote hairdressing at NULC.

Hairdressers from local salons were also invited to the event, which gave staff and students from the Transform Salon the opportunity to showcase the industry standard facilities and training opportunities available at NULC.

During the event, local employers had the opportunity to be introduced to new apprentices looking for employment opportunities within the Hairdressing industry. These potential apprentices were either new recruits who have being supported by our entry in employment initiative or existing  hairdressing students who have completed their first year on a full-time program and are now looking gain an apprenticeship in order to develop their skills in the workplace.

Phil Davies Business Development Manager for Hair and Beauty said “ It’s very exciting times ahead here at NULC.  The plan is to work closer with hair & beauty professionals who are as passionate about the industry as we are. On the agenda is a business club, where we will work will like minded employers to help develop our provision, to ensure that it exceeds employers expectations.“

For more information about recruiting an apprentice and the various training options available in Hair and Beauty at NULC contact Phil Davies on 01782 254122 or email philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk.

Charity Catwalk Show raises money for Donna Louise Trust

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) studying Level 1 Beauty Therapy and Level 1 Hairdressing are hosting a Catwalk Show in aid of the Donna Louise Trust.  Students will display work produced as part of their foundation project qualification.  The theme is the ‘Dark Side’ and students have taken inspiration from characters including Cruella Deville and Vodoo Dolls.  The show will feature hair, make-up, nail and costume designs by students.  

Tickets are priced at £2.00 each and available from the Transform Salon situated on the ground floor of the College's main campus.

Sports Therapy students share expertise with marathon runners

Adult students studying Level 4 Sports Therapy at NULC attended the Bath Marathon to provide their expertise to participants.

As part of their part-time course students have to take part in field and offsite events to provide them with practical experience.

The students worked with many practitioners from across the country gaining knowledge and experience of how a professional event is organised.

Pictured: Level 4 Sports Therapy students Sharon Johnson, Ian Smith, Karina Essery, Belinda Talbot and Wojcieh Kotlenga.

Sharon Johnson, Lecturer at NULC said: “This was a really exciting experience for the students to work with Elite athletes and athletic clubs.  Athletes had travelled from all across the country to take part in the event and it was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain valuable experience.”

The event also prepared the students with NULC with some valued industry experience to enable them to appreciate the field of work as a full time profession.

After the event the students said “We feel better equipped to continue through on to the next level of study (Level 5 Sports therapy)”.

Sports Therapy is taught at NULC’s state-of-the-art Transform Salon and Spa as part of the College’s Hair, Beauty and Complimentary Therapy courses. 

To find out more about studying Sports Therapy contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Hairdressing students meet HRH the Duke of York

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of York to its campus.

The Duke of York visited NULC to help promote the work of colleges in providing high quality apprenticeships, work-based learning and business skills development.

After meeting local dignitaries in the College reception area, His Royal Highness was given a tour of the College by NULC Principal and Chief Executive Karen Dobson, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley.

During his tour of the College, the Duke took time out his scheduled tour to wave and meet with Hairdressing staff and students who were part way through a lesson in the Transform Salon.

The visit formed part of The Duke of York's work to encourage and inspire young people to develop the right skills, and to recognise and support the many apprenticeship schemes that are developing as a part of the Government's Skills and Innovation agenda.

He told students he hoped the College could help inspire them to "be more than you think you can be". The Duke of York added: "I can assure all of you young people that you have a great deal more potential than you probably realise or understand. Over the last 10 years I've been doing a huge amount for British business and I will continue to do so, because I believe in it, and I also believe you young people are the future of it."

Principal Karen Dobson said:"I am very proud of the staff that helped pulled everything together and of course all the students who have done themselves real credit."

Find out more about the wide range of courses available for students of all ages, interests and skill levels at NULC at www.nulc.ac.uk, email info@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254254.

NULC students inspired to aim for top salons

NULC hairdressing students visited the Vidal Sassoon Salon in Manchester as part of RAP week in February.

The Level One Hairdressing students visited the salon with tutor Amy Stott to help them to gain an insight into how professional salons are run and what is expected of staff in the workplace.

The students went into the salon and where given a guided tour, given the opportunity to ask stylists questions regarding the salons code of conduct and how a student like themselves would need to progress to be able to apply for a job within a top salon.

Pictured: Hairdressing students Stephanie Banks, Keyleigh Heath, Jessica Sterling, Christina Clews, Inga from Vidal Sassoon, Amy Stott (NULC tutor), Rebecca Spencer and Emma Blakeman.
 

Hairdressing tutor at NULC, Amy Stott said: “All the students gave positive feedback from the visit, describing how they enjoyed visiting the salon and that the stylists have given them something to aspire to, as hairdressers.”

The stylists and staff within the salon were very accommodating and made the students feel very welcome, allowing the students to view all areas of the salons including the training facilities.

To find out more about the range of hairdressing courses available at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

NULC hairdressing students secure places in national finals

Three talented hairdressing students are set to represent Newcastle-under-Lyme College at the national final of the prestigious Association of Hairdressers and Therapists competition in Blackpool on 12 March.

Rebecca Robinson, aged 19 from Hartshill is studying the Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing and was awarded first place in the first year blow-dry event, where she fought off strong competition from 50 entrants from colleges across the North West. (pictured left.)

Liz Shuttlebottom, aged 27 from Westbury Park is studying the Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing was awarded third place in the second year commercial day look. (pictured right.)

Lauren Sales, aged 17 from Cheadle, is studying an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Hairdressing and was the youngest NULC student to be awarded a place in the National Finals. (pictured below.)

This is the first time NULC have entered the competition, the prestigious Association of Hairdressers and Therapists competition takes place annually, with the top performers from the regional heats across the UK going on to compete in the national final.

Anthony Keates, Curriculum Leader for Hairdressing said: “The students have excelled in the first stages of the competition and we’re all very proud of what they have achieved already.  The students are now focusing on the national finals and spending time preparing and honing their skills.”

He continued: “It goes to show what a productive learning environment we have here at NULC.  The students get to train in an industry standard salon with expert tuition.”

Everyone at NULC wishes all three competitors the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.

To find out more about the range of full-time hair and beauty courses available at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

GHD IV Styler special offer

GHD IV STYLER PLUS FREE THERMAL PROTECTOR FOR DRY COARSE HAIR

This is the ultimate in hair protection when it comes to heat styling with its new and improved formula. The ghd Thermal Protector guards your hair against heat and damage while locking in moisture and nutrients.

With this offer you can style your hair to perfection with the ghd IV Styler whilst protecting your tresses from heat damage with the Thermal Protector, specifically designed to care for your Hair and will give you medium hold when styling.

RRP: £129.

Offer price £99

Very limited stocks available

For more information contact Transform Salon & Spa reception on 01782 254321 or email transform@nulc.ac.uk.

Models required for competition

The Transform Salon and Spa are looking for hairdressing models to take part in a photography competition in 2012.

Anyone interested in being a model is asked to submit a photograph and contact details to Phil Daniels at the Transform Salon philip.davies@nulc.ac.uk.

The model castings will take place in January 2012.

NULC Skills Squad visit International Finals of WorldSkills

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s (NULC) recently formed Skills Squad enjoyed a visit to the International Finals of the WorldSkills competitions in London.

The Skills Squad were joined by staff and mentors as they visited Excel in London on Thursday 6 October.  The inspiring visit was organised to show the Skills Squad the types of competitions and awards they could be eligible to enter in the future.

Pictured: NULC Skills Squad and staff.

The NULC Skills Squad is made up of 18 talented vocational students who have been identified through a range of competitive activities organised within individual faculties.  The current Skills Squad is made up of students studying vocational courses in Hair and Beauty, Construction, Engineering and Care.

Picture: NULC Skills Squad explore the International Finals of the WorldSkills competitions in London.

Members of the NULC Skills Squad receive an array of support from the College in recognition of their talent and to support them in their future entry into the WorldSkills UK competitions.

The NULC Skills Squad will be showcasing their talents by providing demonstrations and hands on activities to prospective students at Open Events throughout the year.

Pictured: Hair and Beauty entrants in this years WorldSkills Competition displaying their work.