St Helens Chamber’s purpose-built training salon, The Chamber Hair and Beauty Academy, is celebrating its first year of offering hair and beauty training courses to local people.
Since it opened a year ago, over 80 students have accessed a range of free hairdressing and beauty courses through the new training facility, helping them to gain new skills, increase their confidence and move on in their careers.
10 of the Academy’s younger students have now gone on to secure Hairdressing Apprenticeships at local hair salons, whilst continuing to attend ‘Day Release’ at the Academy.
Louise Kelly, an Apprentice at Amie’s Hair and Beauty Lounge, said: “After seeing the training advertised on Facebook, I decided to enrol on the course. I liked the idea of doing an Apprenticeship as it’s more hands on and you get paid while training.
“It’s much better to be in a salon working and being hands on than being cooped up in a classroom all day.
“The Apprenticeship has improved my people skills and helped me to grow in confidence.”
As well as offering Traineeships and Apprenticeship training, the Salon also delivers a variety of free short courses in Spray Tanning, Barbering and Gel Nails for people aged 19 and over.
Tracy Considine, Training Team Leader at St Helens Chamber, said: “The Chamber Hair and Beauty Academy was set up to provide a dedicated training facility for people looking to start careers in the hair and beauty industry.
“To have helped so many people on their way to employment in our first year is a fantastic achievement. The Academy has produced some excellent Apprentices this past year who are now flourishing in the workplace.
“We are excited to now be offering a Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing aimed at those aged 19 and over looking to start a career in the hairdressing industry, which will be a great addition to our current range of courses.”
For more information about The Chamber Hair and Beauty Academy contact Starting Point on 01744 698800, email info@thestartingpoint.org or visit our website at www.sthelenschamber.com/hairacademy.
