Mayor of Malvern Councillor Neil Morton got more than he bargained for when he visited Malvern Hills College’s new Barbering Academy.
The former hairdressing salon at Malvern Hills College – part of WCG – has undergone an extraordinary transformation to meet growing demand for barbering courses.
So impressed was he with the new facilities, Mayor Morton was very glad to accept WCG’s offer of a haircut from Level 2 Hairdressing and Beauty student, Beth Beale.
Mayor Morton said: “The new Barbering Academy is very impressive and will prepare students across Malvern and the whole of Worcestershire for successful careers in hairdressing and barbering.
“Beth did a great job. I will be telling my usual barber to expect a fresh crop of hairdressing competition in the coming years!”
The UK barbering industry is enjoying a resurgence with men across the country opting for a traditional style barbers over modern unisex salons.
This trend is also being reflected by an interest in the barbering profession. WCG’s Malvern Hills College has already seen recruitment to its Level 2 and 3 courses double and is receiving new enquiries on a daily basis.
Barbering Academy students will be offering a variety of services; from a traditional short back and sides, to intricate fades and line details. Local residents will also have the option of a full shaving experience at a fraction of the high street cost and with the added bonus of ample free car parking.
“As an education provider we have to respond to economic needs,” added Samantha Jocelyn-Sears, Head of Department for Hair & Beauty at Malvern Hills College.
“The UK men’s grooming industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years – with barbering at the heart of this.
“Our new Barbering Academy is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will enable our students to develop their skills and prepare them for long and successful careers in the hairdressing sector.”
The new bespoke academy draws inspiration from traditional men’s barbershop and features brick effect wall and reclaimed wooden shelving.
Students will have the chance to hone their haircutting skills under the guidance of barbering tutor Warren Mills.
With more than 20 years of haircutting experience, Warren has witnessed the development of the UK barber industry first-hand and believes the interest in the profession has never been stronger.
Warren said: “Barbering is enjoying something of a renaissance and demand for highly-skilled young professionals is on the rise.
“I’m thrilled to be leading Worcestershire’s next generation of barbering professionals in what is an exciting time in the industry.
“The college’s new Barbering Academy is a first-class environment for students to hone their haircutting skills.”
Students enrolled on WCG’s barbering courses will also get to work with the college’s Beauty Therapy department to provide a variety of treatments to male clients.
Samantha added: “Residents of Malvern and surrounding areas can expect a real treat as our male grooming services grow to include back waxing, back and scalp massage and prescriptive male facials to complement our Barbering services.
“We’re hopeful that the new Barbering Academy will inspire a whole new generation of hairdressers – men and women – across Worcestershire.”
Those interested in the new Barbering Academy will have a chance to see the facilities at an open event being held at Malvern Hills College on Tuesday 19 November, from 5.30pm-8.00pm. For more information visit www.wcg.ac.uk/page/44/malvern-hills-college-open-events