Barbering students at Mansfield college open their own business to practise their skills

One of the six students who works for the barbering learning company is Sienna Barwick, aged 18, a year-one intermediate certificate in barbering student – and her first customer was Andrew Cropley, college principal and chief executive.

She said: “It was a good experience cutting Mr Cropley’s hair and I really enjoyed carrying out the service. I was very pleased with the outcome, because I created a balanced haircut and tidied up his style.

“Mr Cropley also seemed very pleased about his cut and seemed happy with it.”

Mr Cropley said: “Sienna did a first-class job. It was good to feel smart and tidy for an important employer event at the college. I enjoyed talking with her and learning of her experience at college and her ambitions for the future.

“It’s also great to be able to witness first-hand the skill with which our teachers support students to develop their skills and their confidence.”

The college’s learning companies have been set up to enhance students’ work-related knowledge and skills to run alongside their study programmes.

Key employability skills such as customer service, financial management, problem-solving and teamwork are applied.

College Cuts creates traditional barbered styles on men’s and women’s hair with a short back and sides costing £5, a scissor cut £5, skin fade £6, and a beard trim £4.

To book an appointment, call the college’s Revive salon on 01623 413615.