Greg Couzens Academy launched for aspiring hairdressers

Gregory Couzens, renowned Rochdale hair salon on The Walk, has recently joined forces with VLLancs Training Provider to bring real hairdressing education to Rochdale.

Following cuts to day release funding for colleges, students are losing opportunities to gain work experience within their chosen field.

For young people who wish to pursue a career in hairdressing, this means they lack the understanding of salon etiquette and lose the opportunity to work in a professional environment.

After learning of the cuts, Gregory Couzens launched a new academy at his salon, to provide a much-needed space for students whilst he passes on his knowledge of the hairdressing world.

Mr Couzens said: “This academy is for anyone with a passion for hairdressing; not just for school leavers and students but for adult learners too.

“If you already have a career in hairdressing then this is an opportunity for you to refresh your skills, build up your confidence and to push your motivation further.

“I have always said that education is our lifeblood and when I learnt of the cuts to funding, I knew we could offer the space and the knowledge.

“The problem with enrolling onto full time courses at college is that they offer no opportunities in gaining work experience. I wanted to launch a private academy for aspiring hairdressers to learn in a professional and established environment, as we have been here for 35 years and think it is a great opportunity to resurrect techniques.”

He continued: “If you are interested in starting a career in this amazing industry, if you are a salon owner who needs an enthusiastic new team member or if you have always dreamed of picking up a pair of scissors and learning this craft then join the academy.

“I’ve been around the world offering hairdressing and I want to put my knowledge into Rochdale.”

Robin Riley, senior stylist at Gregory Couzens who was taken on as a full-time apprentice ten years ago, will run the academy alongside VLLancs and Greg Couzens.

Robin said: “Teaching has become a strong part of my career. It is never too late to start learning and there are so many different avenues that make it easier to follow your dream of becoming a hairstylist.

“Education has no boundaries so whether you are leaving school, a salon owner, or have just always dreamed of being a part of the hairdressing world – everyone is welcome.

“This is a great opportunity to gain a qualification that can kick start your career or make it progress further; with the help of professional tutors we believe that the best way to learn is in a real salon environment.

“We are offering our students the chance to achieve the new Hair Professional Award alongside NVQ Level 2 and 3, which is open to all potential candidates.

“If there is an interest in the business side of things we will also offer business courses, so we can nurture you and help you kickstart your own hairdressing business.”

VLLancs help apprentices and salons in various locations by offering NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Hairdressing and Barbering. Options available at the newfound academy include apprenticeships, traineeships and adult learner level three qualifications.

Gregory Couzens long-standing business was established in 1983 by Greg Couzens, who owns the salon with his daughter, Georgia.

Mr Couzens set up the award-winning salon in a Georgian building on the Walk, dating back to around 1820.

The salon was established after Mr Couzens completed training with globally recognised hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon, and offers the highest standards of service in an opulent environment.

He said: “We are on the lookout for all school leavers who have an interest in hairdressing and a passion for creativity, salon owners who are interested in adding a new eager member to your team and anyone who has always wanted to enter the world of hairdressing but not quite got around to it."

The Academy is located on the second floor of Gregory Couzens, 5 The Walk, Rochdale, OL16 1EP and is running every Thursday, 10.00am – 4.00pm.

The first session is Thursday 2 August and each session aims to host around eight students.

To sign up, contact Gregory Couzens hair salon on 01706 350328 or email mail@gregorycouzens.com