CHARLES WORTHINGTON SHOWS STUDENTS HIS FLAIR FOR HAIR

Salford City Academy's' Foundation Diploma in Hair and Beauty students were invited by PZ Cussons, a leading consumer products business in personal care products, to meet celebrity hairdresser and stylist Charles Worthington at their Agecroft site.

The group of Salford City Academy Year 10 students, who were also joined by two students from Oasis Academy Media City, enjoyed a dream morning talking with the professional hairdresser and owner of a prestigious London salon.

The educational visit included an informal question and answer session with Charles Worthington, organised to inspire the students and build their career aspirations.  As well as sharing his wealth of professional experience, students quizzed the hairdresser on his advice for student hairdressers, how he achieved his career and what it's like to be famous!

The students viewed a video clip of a Charles Worthington working his magic on three viewers on This Morning, the daily ITV show.  The exercise was designed to show the students that in performing style makeovers they have the power to change more than their client's look; it can change how they feel inside. As well as demonstrating the skills involved, he highlighted the impact our budding hairdressers and stylists can have on their clients.

Amy Smith, Year 10 Salford City Academy student, said "Charles Worthington is an inspiration to me and meeting him has motivated me to work really hard to achieve my dream career of doing glamorous makeovers on cruise ships. He told us to be bold and express ourselves through our work and made us understand that we may have to start at the bottom, just like he did, and work our way up."

The students also took part in a Communication and Confidence course with a PZ Cussons representative.  Through role play and discussion, the Hair and Beauty trainees developed their professionalism and skills in listening, body language and rapport building, which will all impact on their effectiveness in their future careers.

As part of a new Business in the Community scheme PZ Cussons established a link with Salford City Academy, which has an Applied Learning specialism.  The partnership feeds into the Academy's' courses to give students the opportunity to take part in work related learning and equip them with the skills and personal qualities that will be invaluable when they leave school and seek employment.

Rachel Swaby, Subject Leader for Hair and Beauty, Salford City Academy, said "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our girls to meet a celebrity hairdresser and the buzz it gave them will build on their passion for a career in Hair and Beauty.  This course is in its pilot year and our invaluable partnership with PZ Cussons endorses the quality and value of not only the content but also its aims."