Past Students Return for Barbering Demo

South Eastern Regional College (@S_ERC) was delighted to welcome back two former Barbering alumni who called into the Lisburn Campus to give a demonstration to current students.

Sarah June Robinson, Lecturer in Hairdressing and Barbering said, “We are always thrilled to hear how our past students are getting on and it is great for current students to know about the industry and employment opportunities from people who work there. Barbering is extremely competitive, so students are encouraged to network and pick up that vital salon experience demanded by employers at the SERC salon and through part-time work.”

Matthew McConaghie (21) and Jack Greer (18), both from Lisburn, work at Russell’s Barbers and Cut ‘n’ Grind respectively. The two young men completed Level 2 and Level 3 Barbering at SERC, and were delighted to visit the College’s Lisburn Salon to give a demonstration to current students.

Matthew said, “I always wanted to do Barbering but ended up working as a tree surgeon.   A summer job turned into full-time work, but I knew if I didn’t go back to college when I did, I would never get to where I wanted to be.   I am glad I made the move to SERC.

He added, “The Barbering courses are brilliant and there is great support from the tutors.   Along with the technical skills, the course develops your social skills.   I have seen people who are a bit shy at the start of the year, but by the time they are leaving, they are different people.   Barbers provide intimate care so it is important you can make people relax and feel comfortable – it’s part of the job.”

Jack said, “Barbering had been on my radar, but it was my mother who encouraged me to come along to SERC when she saw something about the course on Facebook.   I attended an open day and after meeting the tutors, decided to apply.”

He added, “There was a lot of learning on the course – it was intensive, but good fun.   I suppose I thought I was going to learn just to cut hair, but there is so much more to it, and by the time you get to Level 3, you cover colour, design and cut throat shaving.   There was a lot of practice at home – I like to think I have Father’s Day sorted!

“I would recommend coming to SERC.   The tutors were very supportive and kept us on track for deadlines and building up our portfolios.”

Jack concluded, “At the minute I am building up my clientele and gaining more experience.   I would love to enter some Barbering competitions and think I would enjoy the challenge of cutting on stage to an audience.   I have also been thinking about teaching and, perhaps one day, owning my own salon.”