Celebrity hair stylist and educator Andrew Barton has launched his hair education programme at City of Liverpool College, bringing professional hairdressing directly to the classroom.
Andrew has introduced the Andrew Barton London Education (ABLE) programme to the college, a two-year course designed for college hairdressing departments, bringing current salon knowledge, professional expectations and creative inspiration into students’ everyday learning.
The launch event gave students greater insight into the realities of a modern salon, the standards employers look for and the many directions in which their skills could take them. This includes salon work and education, fashion, editorial, television, product development, brand partnerships, entrepreneurship and international creative roles.
Andrew shared the journey that took him from apprentice to British Hairdresser of the Year, television personality, author and educator, showing students that hairdressing can open doors to a range of possibilities.
“What a fabulous launch and what an inspiring group of students. Their enthusiasm, questions and creativity reminded me exactly why ABLE matters", said Andrew. "My apprenticeship gave me purpose, belonging and a way forward and, in many ways, the salon saved my life. I want these students to see that hairdressing is not simply a qualification - it can become an exciting, creative and life-changing career. Where they begin does not determine where they can go.”
Andrew is resident hair expert on Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts in 2017 for his contribution to hairdressing, education and the creative industries.
“We were delighted to welcome Andrew Barton and launch the ABLE programme at City of Liverpool College. It was a fabulous and inspiring event for our students," says Samantha Granby, Deputy Head of School for Hair & Beauty, City of Liverpool College.
"Andrew’s extraordinary career, his honesty and his commitment to vocational education brought the professional world vividly into the classroom. ABLE will help our students build confidence, understand the breadth of opportunities within hairdressing and see how the skills they develop here can become the foundation of an exciting and rewarding career.”
ABLE runs alongside traditional qualifications and supports the National Occupational Standards, acting as a bridge between industry and further education providers, aiming to deliver training that empowers people throughout their hairdressing careers.
Figures published by the programme show that participating institutions have reported a 33% increase in apprenticeship enrolments, an 18% increase in salons and employers working with them and a 12% increase in full-time student numbers - following promotion of ABLE at open events.
Following the success of the Liverpool launch, Andrew is inviting further education colleges across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to join his mission to inspire the next generation of salon-ready talent.
Andrew added: “Britain and Ireland have an extraordinary hairdressing heritage, but that future depends on young people being shown what is possible. I want ABLE to reach colleges in every nation, support the brilliant work lecturers already do and help students turn their talent into confidence, professionalism and lasting careers.”
You might also like:
- From Local Chairs to International Success: How Three Barbers Did It
- Eddie's Street Cuts owner to cycle 4,000 miles across US providing free haircuts to homeless
- From Local Chairs to International Success: How Three Barbers Did It
