<p>The wonderful Level 1 Hairdressing learners were welcomed by Emma, the salon owner of <a href="https://www.uniquewsm.com/">Unique Hair</a>, for work experience in an industry standard salon. Unique Hair is an independently run hair salon, local to the college, currently underway to becoming a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> ambassador. This results in the college and the salon working very closely together to ensure the content in the course is of upmost importance to the learners, and even results in work experience opportunities which otherwise would not be offered to L1 learners!</p><p>Emma had six Level 1 learners in total spread over three Mondays, where she opened the salon especially for work experience days. Emma sourced her own clients for the learners to work on, undergoing treatments such as meeting and greeting clients, shampooing, conditioning and applying treatments, as well as blow-drying, curling and setting clients’ hair. This gave the students the chance to use industry-standard equipment, and experience first-hand, what a day working in the salon would be like.</p><p>While Level 1 learners would not usually gain the opportunity to have work experience, Emma was so keen to help out and allow the students to develop employability skills to increase success in their futures in the industry. The students commented, “It was such a great opportunity, and really helpful experience for what working day to day in a salon would be like. Emma was great at explaining everything, and really kind when explaining everything, including the new techniques. We’d absolutely love to go back!”</p><p>The learners’ tutor, Kelly, told us, “It has been amazing to see the development of their skills since this experience!”</p><p>Rachel Harrison, the Workplace Coordinator for Hair, Beauty and Hospitality commented: “The learners absolutely loved their time at the salon, and having the chance to try out new products; the opportunity was invaluable for the learners. Here at Weston College, we focus on finding the learner’s career aspirations first, then assist in how they can reach this. Having a whole day in an industry-standard salon is one of the most beneficial ways to help in reaching their dream jobs; I am so grateful to Emma for her kindness and hospitality towards the learners, and being their mentor for the whole day! I hope we are able to provide this work experience to Level 1 learners in the future!”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… out more about our Hair and Beauty courses, here!</a></p>

<p>In the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…, Makeup and Prosthetics for Production (HMPP) three-year degree programme</a>&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">UCW</a&gt;, there is a module which requires the learners to work to an industry brief. This year, <a href="https://www.puxton.co.uk/">Puxton Park</a>&nbsp;delivered the brief for the learners, for an event they held, called “Phobia”; a Halloween event that took place from 22nd – 29th October, consisting of five haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Doll House and the ‘Dark Wood’. The learners were required to design and apply makeup to a very high quality for this event, for up to 40 actors a night!</p><p>In total, 30 students across both HE &amp; FE took part; the third year HMPP learners were in charge of running the event, and the first and second year HMPP learners also took part as assistants. The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… 2 Hair and media makeup</a> learners were also involved as further assistance on certain makeup zones. Every learner was there every night, from 4:30 – 10:30pm, to ensure every actor was ready for their performance. It was important that they planned and practiced every aspect before the event started, as they had to make sure they could carry out the same quality in a fast-paced environment, under time pressure!</p><p>As well as designing and applying the makeup on the nights, the 3rd year learners were also tasked with ordering the products and costumes, and keeping within a budget, as well as holding workshops for the Level 2 students to demonstrate the desired looks, and build their confidence in their abilities.</p><p>The feedback from everyone involved has been overwhelmingly positive – the learners absolutely loved the opportunity to work in a professional event, working with other students across multiple courses, and being given a true insight into the industry. Puxton Park have also commented on the creative talent of the learners, and praised them for their professionalism. The general public, who attended the event, have said it was “a fantastic, immersive experience, but very scary!”</p><p>Tara O’Hare, an HMPP lecturer, has commented “I would like to personally thank my third year HMPP students, with special thanks in particular to Holly and Beth, who acted as project managers on the event, liaised with the other groups who were helping out, and worked professionally and fully committed themselves to the project throughout.</p><p>Both the HE and FE makeup students worked with enthusiasm and confidence throughout They will be an absolute asset in the makeup industry, and without them, this project would not have been as successful. We can’t wait to be back next year!”</p><p>If you’re interested in a qualification in Hair and Makeup, you can find out more information, below!</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… Education</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… Education</a></li></ul>