Hair, Beauty & Barbering students at Bradford College gained valuable industry insight and practical experience to help them build successful careers.
Returning industry expert Neil Capstick founder of luxury haircare brand Neäl & Wølf and local barber and business owner Naheem Yacub, from Naheem Barbering, shared their experiences, offering advice on the opportunities and challenges of working in the industry.
For Level 3 in Hairdressing students Tiffany and Kudrat, and Level 3 in Barbering student Mario, the session provided inspiration as they considered their next steps. Tiffany hopes to open her own salon in the future, while Kudrat aspires to build a worldwide salon business before exploring more opportunities where Hairdressing can lead her to.
Tiffany said: “It shows you how far you can actually reach, like if you actually work for what you want.”
Naheem, who also teaches barbering at Bradford College, highlighted the importance of developing both technical and professional skills to prepare for the workplace.
He said: “Having the link and the relationship with the college means that the learners are learning the skills that are important.”
Carol Hooper, Curriculum Area Manager, emphasised the importance of working with employers: “It’s really important that we’ve got a really good relationship with employers because that’s the journey our students are going into. They’re not coming here just to do a course, they’re learning and developing new skills that are going to lead them into employment when they leave college.”
Neil, who has supported the College over several years, encouraged other employers to get involved, saying: “Just do it. Be part of it. Help the young people know what life’s all about outside college.”
Through continued industry partnerships, Bradford College is helping students build confidence, explore career opportunities, and turn their ambitions into reality.