A £40,000 makeover has put trainee hair stylists at Middlesbrough College head and shoulders above their rivals.
Working with Francesco Group – one of the UK’s leading hairdressing companies – the college has opened The Hairdressing and Beauty Academy.
More than 300 hairdressing students will work in the academy each year.
The academy provides a real working environment, meaning students have the skills, experience and confidence to be able to work in any salon, anywhere, once they complete their Level 3 studies.
Francesco Dellicompagni – founder of Francesco Group – attended the official opening, along with top stylists from hair salons across the Tees Valley.
Lynsey Hindhaugh, academy manager, said: “The academy is a real working environment where hairdressing trainees learn all elements of the industry including client retention and financial targets, and where they need to demonstrate professional behaviours.
“Trainees work with clients and carry out all the tasks expected of them in a high street salon, including cutting, colouring and delivering exceptional customer service.
“It means Middlesbrough College is delivering the highest level of hairdressing training in the area, providing students with all the skills they need to walk into a job in the industry.”
Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive, said: “When we looked at investing in the Hair and Beauty department we knew we wanted to work with the best and we didn’t have to look far to find it.
“Francesco Group has a history of working with education providers to deliver quality skills training, the kind of skills that employers are telling us they need.
“Francesco Group shares the same philosophy as Middlesbrough College – delivering real training for real jobs.”
Francesco Dellicompagni, said: “When we began the training model, the conversion of hairdressing students in full time education to quality employment was around 50%.
“We are now proud to say that the figure is at a staggering 95%, making Francesco Group even more determined to support up and coming young hairdressers.“
Customers are able to make appointments at The Hairdressing and Beauty Academy, within Middlesbrough College, and take advantage of a high quality high street service without the high street prices.
Visit www.mbro.ac.uk for more details.