College calls for votes in ‘Head North’ project

November 4, 2015 at 2:40 pm

headnorth

Orkney College UHI has been shortlisted for the current round of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Skills and Opportunities Fund.

The successful bidders will be chosen by public vote, which closes at noon on Friday, November 6.

If successful, the funding would support a new project, called “Head North”, which would see the training needs of the local hairdressing and beauty sector be met through local provision by the college.

Currently, hair and beauty employers have to send their employees off the island to be trained or upskilled, so this funding would be hugely beneficial in cost-saving for local businesses, but also providing the opportunity for young people to stay in Orkney to undertake their training.

As of last year, Orkney College UHI now delivers Skills for Work in Hairdressing, which is an optional course for S4 school pupils at Stromness Academy and KGS as part of their subject choices. The funding would support development and delivery of a National 5 qualification in hairdressing, allowing progression from the Skills for Work course.

Short courses in various hair and beauty practices would also be developed such as hair-up techniques, hair colouring techniques, barbering, classic cutting and nail and manicure courses.

Issy Grieve, Assistant Principal at Orkney College UHI said: “If successful, the funding will provide a new and exciting curriculum choice for our young people living in Orkney, which will in turn lead to enhanced employment opportunities, as well as providing opportunities for those already in employment to be upskilled locally.

“We are asking the local community to please support us and take a minute of your time to go online and vote for the ‘Head North’ project.”

To vote, click here.