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Sutton Centre partners with Realise to tackle unemployment in Bradford

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A community centre in Bradford has partnered with one of the UK’s leading training providers to offer adults the chance to brush up their skills and qualify for a career in hairdressing. 

About the Sutton Centre and the partnership

The Sutton Centre, based in Kyffin Place, has partnered with Realise – which has a contract to deliver adult education courses across West Yorkshire – to stage introductory sessions to the hair industry. 

The Sutton Centre is open seven days a week, with activities and support available for all ages including welfare advice and employment training focused on building a vibrant community. 

The level 1 hairdressing award programme offers certification in level 1 plaiting and twisting, level 1 styling and finishing, level 1 in hairdressing vocational studies and level 2 preventing contact dermatitis. 

Sam Kirkby, centre manager at The Sutton Centre, said:

“The partnership with Realise has been a huge success and everyone taking part in the course is getting a huge amount out of it. 

“Many of the adults completing their first hair qualifications are seeking opportunities to get back in to work and with the help of Realise, we can identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses and support them with job searching. 

“It’s something which has really captured the imagination of our users and has the potential to be a life-changing project and set them on the road to a new career.” 

 

 

Lisa Brook, a hair trainer at Realise, said:

“It’s been a real pleasure to watch the adults take their first steps on the road to becoming qualified hairdressers. 

“We’ve developed this new introduction to hairdressing programme to support people to get into the industry and help tackle the high unemployment rate in the area.” 

 

 

Amber Massey, head of hairdressing and barbering at Realise, added:

“The course is fully funded as part of our Adult Education Budget contract with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, so there’s absolutely no cost to take part and people will walk away with vital skills that employers are asking for. 

“During the short course learners will develop their basic hairdressing styling skills, including creating plaits and twists, and prepare for employment with advice on how to write a CV and get ready for an interview. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with The Sutton Centre and we would encourage other local community centres in Bradford or Kirklees that are interested in running the course to please get in touch.” 

 

About Realise

Realise provides, education and employment services to more than 7,000 learners and thousands of employers across the UK every year. 

 

 

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