<p>At Em2, we love welcoming learners into our salon for work experience, with the aim of assisting them as they progress and develop skills in hairdressing. When learners come to us, we expect them to be polite, professional and punctual, as well as an open mind for watching and learning new skills. We also expect them to support the team in any way they can, including keeping on top of cleaning jobs and getting clients refreshments.</p>

<p>Elise and Poppy are our two learners currently with us on work experience, who are studying <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Barbering</a> and are constantly working incredibly hard to support the team. They are consistently punctual and reliable, and always go the extra mile to work to improve on becoming a better hairdresser.</p>

<p>Both have learnt treatments they can offer to clients, as well as becoming educated on the products used, to correctly inform the customers on what they want to know. Since day one, they have always had the right attitude for wanting to improve.</p>

<p>We feel that work experience at our salon has been hugely beneficial to Elise and Poppy as it has allowed them to grow in confidence, by shadowing established hairdressers. The business’s connection with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing has also enabled them to learn valuable skills, and build up regular clients of their own.</p>

<p>Their progress in the work has been evident, but also the progress in themselves as people has also been clear. They each have acquired skills in many areas, both directly in the field as hairdressing, as well as confidence in welcoming and engaging in conversations with clients. I’m a very proud manager of both, and we love having them in with us.</p>

<p><em>Emma, Em2 Hair</em></p>

<p>On Thursday 24th March, the AHT (Association of Hairdressers and Therapists) Southwest regional heats took place at Weston College.</p>

<p>AHT is a national competition that enhances learner technical and employability skills, as well as testing them under pressure to prepare them for the trade.</p>

<p>The Southwest heat welcomed learners from across the region, with many learners taking part.</p>

<p>14 Weston College learners competed, bridal hair, fantasy hair, barbering, ladies evening style, 1920’s Editorial make up, Halloween face paint, Carnival create an image and Higher-Level Body Paint, and impressed with their skills during the competitions.</p>

<p>Poppy said: “This has been an incredible experience. Getting the opportunity to compete against other likeminded students has really put my skills to the test and has helped me to become a better a hairdresser.</p>

<p>“I really enjoyed the task, especially getting the opportunity to bring my bridal creation to life whilst working under pressure. If you get the opportunity to compete in the AHT competition, I’d recommend it, it has been fantastic.”</p>

<p>Jenna Ratcliffe, FE Curriculum Co-ordinator for Hair and Beauty at Weston College said: “It has been a pleasure to host the AHT regional heats, and the standard of work produced has blown us away. Competitions like this one, enhance creativity and contribute to the wider development of students and enhance the development of higher technical skills – something we are really passionate about at Weston College.</p>

<p>“We are really proud of our learners and their achievements, a huge congratulations to Daniel Green, Natasha Thomas, Kaci Moger, Olivia Layfield, Poppy Dowle, Ashleigh Hughes, Megan Hustcroft, Bel Gardner, Jasmine Haines, Julia Kmiecik, Claire Cox (UCW) who have won regional heats in their competitions, and good luck in the finals.”</p>

<p>Find out more about our Hair and Beauty Career Excellence Hub, by <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… here</a>.</p>

<p>As a business and from a personal perspective, I believe it’s vitally important to support education, training and the development of all students at Weston College.</p>

<p>This opinion is twofold for me, first of all I was indeed a student at Weston College myself, before embarking on my career. Secondly my eighteen-year-old son has just graduated from Loxton Campus with three A-Levels. These qualifications earned him a well-deserved place in a Business School at a Cambridge University campus, to say I am proud of him is an understatement.</p>

<p>There is so much talent within Further Education, and I strongly believe that as employers we should be investing in young people who will become the leaders of our businesses in the future.</p>

<p>Interaction between industry and education is very important. Students need to be able to navigate their way through from classrooms and coursework to a career and the workplace – with practical experience and industry knowledge playing a critical part in development.</p>

<p>Through Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Career Excellence Hub, we are able to get involved and support students, whether that be through delivering masterclass sessions, playing a part in the development of curriculum or offering work experience.</p>

<p>As a business, we also want to grow our team, and see Weston College students as the perfect candidates to be valued members of our team.</p>

<p>The Beauty Spot Weston is a proud supporter of Weston College and have been for a number of years now. This support will continue for many years to come.</p>

<p><em>Hannah Hoskin-Love, The Beauty Spot</em></p>