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.