YOUNG people are being urged to learn a celebrity hairdresser’s best techniques at the only Lee Stafford Hair Academy in the south west.

Bournemouth & Poole College launched the new academy with the help of Lee Stafford in October last year. Lee has gained national recognition and numerous awards for his hairdressing work, as well as creating a range of products sold across the UK.

Since then scores of young people have been taught Lee’s ‘recipes’ for different hair cutting, colouring and styling techniques during training in the college’s Lee Stafford Hair Academy, providing them with the skills required for potential future employers.

Bournemouth & Poole College offers a host of hairdressing and barbering apprenticeships aimed at young people aged from 16 to 24 who are looking to gain on-the-job training, while achieving a nationally-recognised qualification and earning a wage.

Suzy Parkinson, learning manager for Hairdressing, said: "We are proud to say that the College is the only Lee Stafford Hair Academy in the south west, and of the high standard of teaching and facilities available to our students.

"During their apprenticeship, students work in a salon environment where they learn strong industry skills within a commercial environment. We have found that apprenticeships appeal to those young people who are keen to get out into the world of work after finishing their school education.

"Recently, a number of our students headed to The Lee Stafford Education Hairdresser of the Year competition which was held at the infamous L’Oréal Academy in London. Our students excelled returning to the College with certificates and fantastic feedback from the judges who included Errol Brown, Sophia Hilton and Lee himself. This was an inspirational experience and one which our students will get a chance to repeat next year."

Go to thecollege.co.uk/hair for more information about the hairdressing and barbering courses at Bournemouth & Poole College.