A HAMPSHIRE college has launched a new "Academy for Barbering" to it's portfolio of specialist technical and professional training facilities.

Fareham College launched the project on Wednesday February 26, when special guests, local businesses, clients, students and staff heard from barbering industry experts and experienced the new facilities, with students giving demonstrations of their skills on live models in the Barbers and the Hair and Beauty salon.

The Academy Barbering will deliver courses which have been designed from within the industry to meet the skills requirements of barber businesses, and this will support learners who are interested in becoming a barber through to building advanced skills for those who are already well established.

This event coincided with the unveiling of the college's revamped salon, "The Academy of Hair and Beauty".

Andrew Kaye, Principal and Chief Executive of Fareham College said: “With the anticipated introduction of T Levels in September 2020, Fareham College is continually developing its courses and facilities to reflect industry demand.

"It is our priority as a further education provider to prepare our students for the world of work whilst meeting the skills requirements of business. The Academy Barbering and The Academy Hair and Beauty will undoubtedly make an important contribution to this.”

The credentials of The Academy Barbering are supported by associated industry experts including Lloyd Hughes, Barbering lecturer at the College and Ian Harrold, VIP guest at the launch.

Christian Allen-Kotze, Faculty Director, Creative Industries at Fareham College said: "Our barbering, hair and beauty courses are taught in contemporary, spacious training salons, fully outfitted with the latest equipment and professional product ranges.

"Our students benefit from this commercial learning environment along with outstanding industry input, and we are proud to be supplying the hair and beauty industries with the next generation of talent as a result.”

The Academy Barbering and The Academy Hair and Beauty are open for applications for a range of barbering, hairdressing and beauty courses, Apprenticeships and training programmes.

For more information please visit: www.fareham.ac.uk