HAIRDRESSING students at Cheshire College are benefiting from virtual lessons delivered by the some of the industry's leading experts.

The success of remote learning has continued to go from strength-to-strength at the Crewe campus as tutors adapt to new ways of working.

The college says virtual learning environments have allowed professionals to conveniently join their classes for the day to provide digital demonstrations to learners.

Since the lockdown announcement closed the campus last month, Hair and Beauty students have enjoyed numerous workshops from experts in the hair, nail and make-up industry, including international haircare brand Schwarzkopf and multi-award-winning nail artist Hazel Dixon, as well as some of the college's alumni.

Andrea Huby, Assistant Director of Hair and Beauty, said: "At Cheshire College we love bringing industry leaders into our classrooms to further enhance our learners' knowledge and understanding of their chosen industries.

"While we've been unable to welcome them onto our campuses physically for some time now, by taking teaching online during lockdown we have had the opportunity to virtually welcome experts from all across the country into remote learning environments at the click of a button.

"The reception we have received from professionals coming on board to conduct live lessons with our tutors has been phenomenal, so much so that for the past month many of our learners have benefitted from at least one guest workshop a week.

"It's also been fantastic to welcome back many of our amazing alumni who have achieved fantastic accomplishments within their respective industries and demonstrate to our current learners the things they can achieve after completing their studies with us."

One of the real benefits of virtual learning is also the functionality for lessons to be recorded, allowing learners to look back over demonstrations and workshops to hone their techniques – something that is particularly useful for those studying hair and beauty where practice makes perfect.

Level 2 Nail Technology learner Lydia Steadman said: "I think learning online is great. It's really helped me progress my skills and fully take on board the feedback from my lecturers, so I am able to practice my techniques which will ultimately get me to where I want to be in the future."

Learners are still able to complete certified courses during this period of online learning too, with Level 2 and Level 3 Hairdressing learners receiving remote sessions from Wella and Schwarzkopf Professional's Academy technicians on their latest systems and practices.

The College's Hair and Beauty department saw three of its barbering learners make it through to the next round of Concept Hair Magazine's Learner of the Year 2021 Competition.

Learners Ethan Phillipson and Leah Phelps are through to the next round in the Level 3 Old School Barbershop category, and Paris McCleary has made it to the next of the Level 2 Old School Barbershop category.

Concept Hair Magazine received over 1,000 entries for the first round of the competition where learners had to submit a photographic entry and the entire college department got involved to make it a true success with make-up learners supporting with models' looks on the day.

Cheshire College offer a wide variety of courses within their Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy department, where learners benefit from the highest standards of tuition from teaching staff who continue to work in industry or run their own successful business.

The College's facilities enable learners to gain practical skills within industry standard commercial salons including barbering and hair salons, as well as a luxurious spa facility containing a steam room, jacuzzi, sauna and flotation tank.

To learn more about studying at Cheshire College – South & West register for the College's next Virtual Open Day which will be taking place on Monday, March 8.