Learn the art of the experts for an exciting job in beauty

LEARNING the art of beauty experts in a real workplace environment is putting a new training venture in Blackburn at the heart of a jobs boom in the beauty industry.

The Indulgence Academy at Progress to Excellence Ltd, which has just opened in Rishton, on the outskirts of the town centre, has been specially created to get its learners ready for work in their dream job.

Equipping its trainees for careers in one of the fastest growing high street employment sectors, the academy is focusing on training in hairdressing, beauty therapy, nail technology, make-up artistry and reflexology.

Damian Burdin, Chief Executive at Progress to Excellence Ltd, said: “With more salons opening last year than any other type of independent business, there’s no sign of a slow-down in demand locally for beauty and grooming treatments, particularly in nail services and make-up.

“It’s a unique situation where we have people whose dream is an exciting job in the beauty industry – and there’s a huge market out there to fulfil their ambitions.

“The hair and beauty industry is currently worth £6.6 billion to the UK economy so the opportunities to achieve a great career working in a glamorous environment – or even becoming your own boss – are endless.

”The Blackburn operation in Rishton’s High Street is the flagship beauty academy of national training provider Progress to Excellence Ltd. Its other centres are in Hull, Birkenhead and Frome, Somerset.

Managing the academy is local trainer and educator Tracey Jones (pictured) who has a teaching background of more than 15 years in nails, beauty therapy and make-up.

She said: “I’d always wanted to operate in a business that was different from FE college-based courses. Here we offer something unique where students can learn in a real workplace environment to make them industry-ready for employers in the beauty business. It’s a massively growing sector with so many amazing job opportunities.

“We’re constantly working on new trends and, because of our vast training experience, we’ll be producing really good learners who are confident to take on any challenges facing them.”

VTCT Level 3 qualifications in Nail Technology, Nail Services, Hairdressing, Reflexology and Make-up Artistry are all available at the Blackburn academy along with ITEC Beauty Therapy.

Courses are run both during the day and in the evening with places still available for starting dates between June 3 and June 6.

Because of their part-time hours, they are easy to fit around family commitments and are open to anyone over the age of 19. There is no upper age limit.Courses are funded through an Advanced Learner Loan which, subject to eligibility, is available to anyone who wants to study a Level 3 to Level 6 course.

It’s easy to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan and household income isn’t taken into account. There’s also no credit check or upper age limit.

The loan will not be paid back until income is over £25,725 a year. Once this threshold has been reached, the learner then only pays back 9p in every £1 of what’s earned above it.

Blackburn Indulgence Academy at Progress to Excellence Ltd, is now open at 148 High St, Rishton, Blackburn, Accrington BB1 4LQ.

To find out more about the qualifications available, email [email protected] or call 01254 877 117.