Students learn life in the workplace

The West Nottinghamshire College students from the hairdressing, beauty therapy and catering and hospitality courses welcomed a range of businesses into college to learn more about the varied sectors of employment that they can go on to work in.

Throughout the week, hairdressing and beauty therapy pupils enjoyed a selection of workshops in the salons and classrooms at the Revive salons. Their first guest was Cara Amirah who gave them lessons in reflexology which is popular in the beauty holistic treatment market. Special effects make-up techniques were also showcased by Heather Allinson – a freelance hair, beauty and make-up artist. Students saw realistic looking scars applied to skin to create the ‘horror’ look.

Specialists from national hairdressing and beauty therapy companies Francesco and Dermalogica gave students tips on product knowledge as well as teaching them the skills needed to provide a high-quality client journey and customer satisfaction through good communications.

It was then the turn of hospitality and catering students to welcome the army reserves for careers information and were given a demonstration of food cooked in a field kitchen.

As well as enjoying a chilli con carne, rice and chow mein, students got information on applying to be an army reserve and how to seek a career in the army.

Level two professional cookery student Josh Hickling said: “Today’s army visit was helpful because it’s something very different to a normal college day and it was incredible to see just how many people could be fed in the field kitchen using just one generator. It’s been an interesting day and I’ve already filled a form in to find out more from the army.”

Corporal Bryn Etches from the 167 catering support regiment said: “We gave students an insight into the army reserves and highlighted the job opportunities that you won’t usually get in a civilian job. We’re unique to the whole of the armed forces, especially the British army as we’re the only regiment solely of chefs. Wherever chefs are needed anywhere around the world for the forces, we can provide chefs.”