If you love being creative with hair and want to turn that into a career, our courses give you the skills and experience to succeed in professional salons.
Develop your techniques in cutting, styling, and colouring, while also learning how to provide excellent customer service, preparing you for a wide range of opportunities in the Hair and Beauty industry.
Studying in Sheppey means stepping into our professional Salon, where you have the opportunity to work with real clients. You’ll gain invaluable experience in a variety of roles, from Stylist and Receptionist to Salon Manager, and get a taste of the many career paths in Hairdressing.
With appointments running throughout the year, you’ll practise your skills in a professional environment, build your confidence, and leave ready to stand out in the industry.
“I loved going to College, it was the best time of my life. It’s so good to have those experiences in College when you start because you understand your career.
“After studying Hairdressing at EKC Sheppey College, I went straight to a local salon in the High Street and grew my career from there.”
There’s no point in keeping your talents hidden, which is why you can take part in skills competitions and industry showcases throughout the year.
The annual KFE4Skills competition could see you compete against students from across Kent in a series of hairdressing challenges.
Previous years have seen our learners win gold medals for their work.
As a Hairdressing student, you’ll gain valuable experience in our on-site Salon and during work placements with local Hairdressing businesses.
These experiences help you to develop yout confidence and skills so that you’re ready to step into work.
Level 2 Hairdressing learner, Rosie, secured a job after honing her hairdressing skills during a work experience placement at local Salon, Beez Neez.
We benefit the local community regularly with social action projects to raise money for local causes.
One opportunity was when we hosted our own hair and fashion show to raise money for The Criterion in Bluetown.
During this event, students proudly created looks based on a set theme, and gained experience of modelling.
We work with local and national industry experts who give you the skills you need to be successful in a future career.
Examples include Hair Plus Academy, StudX Ear Piercing and Ginger Hair and Beauty, who have been teaching our students the art of Balayage.
Expert Barbers also come in to teach workshops directly to students with a focus on textured hair.
Trips to expos such as Salon International; a renowned Hair and Beauty exhibition held at London’s ExCel Centre, give you the opportunity to meet new stylists and try out the latest products.
There are also opportunities to grab freebies, including new styling tools, combs, and samples of hair products.
We visited Ginger Hair and Beauty in Sheerness to see how placements are supporting both learners and employers.
Discover what Level 2 student Frankie, and salon owner, April, had to say.
Level 2 Hairdressing, student, Freddie, recently competed in this year’s annual KFE4Skills competition.
We spoke to him at the heats about how he’s encouraging more men to get into Hair and Beauty.
By studying with us, you’ll gain experience in a range of creative and competitive environments.
From fashion shows to industry expos, the opportunities are endless.
Our courses aren’t just for school leavers, we also have part-time options available for those aged 19+. These will help you develop specialist skills so that you’re ready for a change of career or new services for your existing clients.
We work around your schedule such as your childcare needs so that learning here is as easy and as convenient for you as possible.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Sheppey College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
Jess used to be a Hairdressing student at EKC Sheppey College, and is now one of our Hairdressing Lecturers, teaching our students the skills that they need.
We spoke to Jess about her experiences and how she is transferring these to today’s learning.
“It’s lovely to be able to meet lots of people here, making it a very fun experience studying in the Salon.
“I have been proven wrong in what I thought I could achieve as the College has given me so many skills for my future.”
“I went on a College trip to the ‘Salon International’ expo in London, where you get to learn different things from different hairdressers and companies.
“I can now look back on this experience and see how far I’ve come along the way.”
“College definitely suits me more. Having the extra freedom just makes it a better way for me to learn.”
“I feel like I work better when it’s practical too. Using my hands rather than just sitting and listening really works for me.”
