A collaboration between Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s Youth Hub, GHQ Training, and FotoNow has successfully supported two care experienced young people who are looked after by Plymouth City Council’s Virtual School, to launch their career in the beauty sector.
Tailored to the young people’s interests, a bespoke two-week programme, held during National Careers Week, provided participants with hands-on experience and insight into the beauty sector, equipping participants with essential skills in areas such as hairdressing, gel nails, basic make-up application, prosthetics, and a certificate in first aid. Local community interest company FotoNow also supported the programme by helping build participants’ confidence in front of the camera, while assisting them in creating a portfolio to kickstart their career journey.
As a direct result of the experience, both participants are now transitioning onto full-time training programmes with GHQ, one on a Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Beauty Therapy and the other on a Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Hairdressing and Barbering. With progression pathways planned to continue on to Level 2 and 3 programmes, this is just the beginning of their skills journey to long-term careers in the beauty sector.
This ‘Introduction to’ programme is the second in a new series developed by Plymouth City Council’s Skills and Virtual School teams, designed to inspire and guide young people as they gain valuable knowledge and experience in various careers.
Speaking during the programme, one participant, Brandon said: “I have spent two years searching for what I want to do in education, and now I have found where I belong. The programme has been amazing.”
Charlotte White, Youth Outreach Coordinator supporting the activity, shared her thoughts: “This collaboration not only provided practical training but also offered the young people a supportive environment that nurtured their passion and creativity. It was inspiring to see them develop their confidence and come out of their shells. The teams at FotoNow and GHQ played a crucial role in the programme’s success, and starting and finishing the programme at the Skills Launchpad Plymouth Youth Hub allowed us to offer a comprehensive introduction to the sector, while also introducing the Youth Hub team who can help with future signposting for career opportunities.”
Vicki Stacey, Centre Manager for GHQ said: “This project has fully engaged the learners to achieve skilled practical work enhancing their interests and supporting their career paths with progression at GHQ Training. We are proud of all the learners and looking forward to developing their higher-level skills.”
Lee Earnshaw, Head of the Virtual School at Plymouth City Council, commented: "We are thrilled that the young people have engaged with this opportunity. Their dedication and passion have led them to exciting new opportunities, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their careers. Our ongoing collaboration with Skills Launchpad Plymouth ensures that we can continue offering sector-focused activities to better prepare more care experienced young people for career success.”
For more information on accessing opportunities for skills, training, education, careers and jobs in Plymouth, please visit www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk.
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