NEW courses in barbering and beauty have been launched in response to demand from young people in the Bradford area.

Aspire2work, a vocational training programme for young people run by aspire-igen, has started the courses at their Bradford Opportunity Centre.

The free courses are available for 16 to 19-year-olds and those aged up to 25 with an Education & Health Care Plan.

Students from the Bradford aspire2work Construction course helped out with the refurbishment of the premises over the Christmas period to create a beauty salon, barbers shop and teaching facility at The Opportunity Centre.

The students enjoyed taking part in the task and were heavily involved from the start. They were on site for the delivery of the materials and followed guidance from their tutor to build a stud wall before boarding it ready for plastering.

Course tutor Chris Lees said: "It has been a great opportunity for our students to get a taste of real building work. I have been impressed with their approach and work ethic throughout and had great feedback from outside contractors. This shows just how well they have done, completing the job to a professional standard."

Those on the beauty course will learn how to provide facials (including cleansing and massages), manicure, pedicure, eyelash and brow treatments and will learn about facial skincare, waxing techniques for removing hair and how to apply makeup. They will also have the opportunity to progress into Asian Bridal Makeup.

The barbering course covers shampooing and conditioning the hair and scalp, cutting and styling men’s hair, shaving, trimming and cutting men’s facial hair and providing facial treatments.

Young people will learn how to communicate and care for clients and will be able to put all their skills into practice when members of the public visit the salon at The Opportunity Centre in the coming weeks.

To enquire about enrolling on the courses, call 0330 111 0035 or visit the website www.aspire-igen.com/aspire2work.