A learner enjoying the new facility at Derry’s Cross


attracting a variety of models for our learners to practice on, which makes a huge difference to the learning experience. Having a much bigger space has also given us the opportunity to hold our twilight barbering sessions, which are fully funded, roll-on, roll-off training programmes for hairdressers and barbers who want to expand their skills.


What advice would you give to businesses considering employing an apprentice? Apprentices are proven to boost organisational productivity, so I’d encourage anyone considering employing an apprentice to go for it – make that investment! Apprenticeship training is hands-on and tailored to meet


the demands of your business, so it equips employees with the skills they need in order to grow with the company. I’ve seen hairdressers go on to become salon managers and beyond; with the right support, an apprentice can become one of your organisation’s greatest assets.


Plymouth’s hair trainer assessor team


apprenticeship recruitment centre, as well as the business and care and early years teams. Over the past three years, Skills Group has also invested in state-of-the-art construction and engineering training centres in Plympton, as well as a hair academy and recruitment centre in Newton Abbot. The Plymouth hair academy is now open five days a


week. Our learners have really benefitted from the central location of the fully-equipped training facility. We offer a full range of hairdressing and barbering programmes, and we’re


What’s next for Skills Group? National Apprenticeship Week is fast approaching, so we’ll be attending Skills South West at Plymouth Pavilions on 1 and 2 March, then the Building Plymouth Jobs Fair at Plymouth Guildhall on 4 March. We’re also going to be holding an open day for the new Plymouth training academy on 1 April. Plus, we’re getting behind a really important initiative


called #BarberTalk, in partnership with Tom Chapman of The Lions Barber Collective. It’s all about letting people know that it’s okay to share their problems without fear or judgement – as a barber or a hairdresser, you’re in the ideal position to listen and make a difference.


Find out more at www.skillsgroupuk.com. If you are interested in training at the Plymouth hair academy, call 01752 332 449.


March/April 2017 Chamber Profile 27


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