Hairdressing taken seriously by educators

It's always good to hear stories that suggest hairdressing is getting recognised as a serious profession. It was with some optimism, therefore, that I read about proposals by the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson which would see business, including hair salons, take a bigger role in higher education.

Announced on 3 November 2009 as part of the Higher Ambitions framework, the measure would see businesses encouraged to participate in the funding and design of programmes, sponsor students and provide work placements. Universities will, in turn, create more part-time work-based and foundation degrees that suit the needs of employers and businesses, as well as opening up a clear route from apprenticeships through to higher education.

The move has been welcomed by Habia chief executive, Alan Goldsbro, who said: "As a sector, we are still underrepresented in higher education, and the number of professionals with a degree level qualification is well below 10%. That's no reflection on the abilities of the people in our industries. It's simply an acknowledgement that traditionally it has been difficult for hairdressers and beauty therapists to find the time or opportunity to study for the relevant higher level qualifications that so many businesses in our sector now need. The new framework will make higher education much more accessible to those who have progressed from a vocational background and allow universities to create courses that meet the needs of employers and students alike, while fitting around work shifts."

Continued Alan: "It will also mean we could see some of the biggest names in the hair and beauty industry establishing partnerships with universities to develop new courses, particularly those covering salon management. With the sector frameworks we have developed for universities, the industry is well-placed to take advantage of these changes."

Backing Young Britain

Meanwhile, Charles Worthington is teaming up with the Backing Young Britain campaign and calling on the hairdressing industry to offer employment to young people.

The Backing Young Britain campaign aims to bring businesses and the public and voluntary sectors together to ensure that the valuable skills and experience of the country's young people aren't being wasted. Businesses can support the campaign by offering volunteering opportunities, work experience, internships and apprenticeships.

Said Charles: "Hairdressing is a popular career choice and encouraging young people into the industry through providing opportunities such as apprenticeships is vital for its future health. Standards of professionalism across the industry have improved vastly in recent years, but it's only by continually investing in young people that this trend will continue.

"We're proud to train apprentices at our salons, and I'd urge fellow professionals across the country to consider how their businesses could provide work experience, training and employment opportunities to the next generation of British hairdressers."