Thursday 19 December 2013

Adult Learning Progression - Lesleyanne Wilkinson

Lesleyann Wilkinson attended our academy for NVQ Level 1 Beauty Therapy and progressed to Level 2 Beauty therapy and successfully completed both courses.  She also attended some of our additional non accredited courses too such as Nail Extensions, Hot Stones etc.

Lesleyann was such a hard working learner and thrived on learning new subjects and giving herself new challenges.  She always gave 100% dedication to the course with excellent attendance and fantastic outcomes.

On Completion of her courses Lesleyann has progressed to being very successfully self employed with a large customer base.  Lesleyann has worked so hard to achieve her goals and we would like to wish her all the best for her future.

Please see below for her testimonial/feedback-

 
After turning 40, five years ago, I was at a loss as to what to do with my career,  I had been Managing Nightclubs and bars for 17years, which I had loved, but suddenly felt too old for and needed a new challenge.
After humming and haring for a further two years about what direction my life should take one of my girlfriends suggested I,  “do nails and lashes coz I can’t get booked in with my own therapist she’s so busy!”                                                          

After shrugging this off I then received a booklet through the post from Gateshead Council about Adult Learning Courses and inside ALD had an advert promoting their Hair and Beauty courses, so I decided to call in for a chat.

When I was there I spoke to Beauty Therapy Tutor Gillian Bell, who was very helpful.

Initially I was only interested in “doing nails and Lashes”, however Gillian informed me that they were a Beauty Therapy Training Academy and I would have to learn all aspects of Beauty Therapy  doing Beauty Therapy levels 1 and 2 which would take 1 and a half years to complete.

 After discussing this with Gillian I thought to myself OMG I’m 42 years old, do I really want to go back to school at my age?!! But then I thought, well the class is on Monday which is my day off, there doing a 5 week taster course, which was free so what did I have to lose??

Little did I know after my first taster session with Gillian that I would absolutely love it and was hooked!

During my first six months doing level 1, I also went on to do extra curriculum classes with ALD, for example, Spray Tanning, Hot Stones and Swedish Massage, Nail art and Gel Nail extensions as well as other training academies such as A.H.Francis Eyelash extensions and OPI.
 

During my level 2, I was awarded the Dermalogica Student of the Year award which was a great honour and something I know ALD are proud to be associated with.

ALD training Academy facilities and staff played a huge part in my enjoyment and continuation of my studies to which I have now taken to level 3 at Gateshead College. Because of them and the enthusiasm of my tutor Gillian Bell I am now running a successful mobile Beauty Therapy Business covering the whole of the North East and working towards my teacher training qualifications to become a tutor.

Not bad for someone who was only interested in “doing nails and lashes!”
Lesleyanne Wilkinson - Beauty level 1 & Level 2 learner at ALD Hair & Beauty Academy 2013

Wednesday 18 December 2013

We had a great day on Monday as our level 2 hairdressing students completed their 'create an Image' unit.  All of the students had fantastic and very creative ideas. 

Throughout the morning we watched as they transformed their models from their imagination.

Here's some photos of the day-




 



Was such a lovely atmosphere while all the students worked hard.  As it was close to Christmas snacks had also been brought in too!


















 
Well done to all of the students and their models!  It was a fantastic day!
 
We have a new level 1 Hairdressing course commencing Wednesday 22nd January for anyone interested in joing us :)


Monday 16 December 2013

Faye Taylor is our client hairdressing stylist based at our ALD Hair & Beauty Academy.  Faye has worked at our academy for three years and has provided our customers with a friendly and professional service.

Faye provides appointments for cut and blowdry's, highlights, full head colours, re-styles etc all at fab prices.

Here's a few photo's of Faye's very happy clients-

 
 
 
Faye's client with very fine hair, needing a boost and hair extensions to be put in to add volume and a little more length.

 
 
Faye's client 'after' the hair extensions have been put in.  They look fantastic, definately adds volume and length and blends excellent with her natural colours.

 
 
 
Here's a client who had a cut a blow dry appointment, lovely thick hair in great condition thanks to the additional conditioner treatments given by Faye.
 


 

 
 
Here's a few more photos-
 




 
Please contact us on 0191 4777764 for appointments with Faye :)
Tuesday 10am to 7pm, Thursday 9.30am to 7pm & saturday 9.30am to 3.30pm
Or message us on Facebook :)


Thursday 12 December 2013

Adult Learning Progression - Maelene Narsi

It's great to meet new learners at the beginning of their courses and then watch how they grow in confidence, skills and to reach their full potential. 
 
Please see below for progression of one of our Beauty Therapy learners, Maelene Narsi.  It was a pleasure having Maelene attend our academy and wish her every success for her future.



I would just like to thank you all at Ald for all you have done for me .

I got a job thanks to all the studying I have done with Ald , And owe it all to the amazing Tutor Gillian and all the staff, Gillian always took her time to explain everything and if I was stuck on anything she was there to make sure I understood it all. I learned so much training there and it has paid off I am finally working :)

Before I started training with ALD I had no qualifications at all, I was a single mother with nothing behind me, I tried to find work but no one was employing someone without any skills .

I received a leaflet in the post and it was about courses at Ald , I came in and met Julia who signed me up,from then I met amazing staff who helped me with all the paper work , funding and studying I will always be grateful to Tracey , Gillian and Julia .

I started there with nothing , but left with my NVQ Level 1 and 2 in beauty therapy , I also done a Hot stone therapy course and an acrylic nail course. Not forgetting I won the most amazing price of student of the year 2011:)

Ald gave me an opportunity to better my life and because of them I have now got employed at Hollywood nails and I am loving working , who would of thought a leaflet through the post would of lead to me meeting such lovely people,skills behind me and best of all it was those skills that have got me my job:)

Ald have been more then just a training company , they have been a blessing in my life ! I have grown in confidence because they have shown me no matter what happens in life I can become whoever I want to be all it takes is studying and a tutor who never makes you give up and makes learning so enjoyable.

Once again thank you all at Ald for everything :) I left proud to say I started with nothing but left proud at achieving my Level 1 and 2 in beauty therapy , A Hot stone therapy and acrylic nail course , and won't forget winning Student of the year award . I will always recommend anyone to study with you guys.

Lots of Love and thanks

Maelene Narsi
 
 


New hairdressing Level 1, 2 and 3 courses available!

 New Hairdressing course dates have been set for 2014!
 


Our Hairdressing courses are set to run as follows-

NVQ Level Hairdressing - commencing Wednesday 22nd January 2014
The course will run every Wednesday 9.30am to 3pm and will last approx 6 months.
On completion students will receive VTCT Certification and the option to progress to level 2
Funding may apply towards the £600.00 course fee depending on the students personal circumstances-http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Education%20and%20Learning/Adult%20Learning/courses/fees.aspx



Level 3 Hairdressing - commencing Tuesday 4th February 2014
The course will run every Tuesday 9.30am to 4.30pm and will last approx 18 months.
On completion students will receive VTCT certification.
Funding and student loans maybe available
 http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Education%20and%20Learning/Adult%20Learning/courses/fees.aspx
http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Education%20and%20Learning/Adult%20Learning/courses/24PlusAdvancedLearningLoans.aspx


 
To be a part of our groups please contact us for more details or to enrol
 
:)

Saturday 7 December 2013

Barbering 6th December 2013 - Beard Trim & Haircuts Models

Our Friday barbering group are progressing brilliantly with the help, guidance and support from our barbering tutor Paul Stewart.

Kim Hoggarth is one of our Friday students and has completed one of her final assessments for a beard trim and haircut.  Kim showed great confidence and completed the assessment under the supervision of Paul.

We're always welcoming new models/clients to call into the salon and are offing free men's haircuts and beard trims every Tuesday and Friday between 10am to 2pm.  Contact us for details :)

Here's a few photos of Kim's fab work!




Thursday 5 December 2013

New Adult Learning Beauty Therapy Courses available!

Beauty Therapy Courses

 
Beauty therapy has been very popular with our learners as well as clients and as we've watched our learners progress from level 1 to 2 we've decided to now offer them level 3. Exciting times as we'll now be able to see our students blossom to their full potential.

Our Beauty Therapy courses are planned as follows-


Level 1 Beauty Therapy commencing Jan 2014 - Thursdays 9.30am to 3pm, lasting approx 6 months

·                     Ensure Responsibility for Actions to Reduce Risks to Health & Safety

·                     Prepare and Maintain Salon Treatment Work Areas

·                     Contribute to the Development of Effective Working

·                     Assist with Facial Skincare Treatments Assist with Nail Services



Level 2 Beauty Therapy commencing Jan 2014 - Friday's 9.30am to 3pm, lasting approx 12 months

·                     Ensure responsibility for actions to reduce risks to health & safety

·                     Develop and Maintain Effectiveness at Work

·                     Promote Additional Products or Services to Customers

·                     Provide Facial Skincare Treatment

·                     Provide Pedicure Services

·                     Enhance the Appearance of Eyebrow & Eyelashes

·                     Carry Out Waxing Services

·                     Provide manicure Services

·                     Provide makeup Services

·                     Fulfil Salon Reception Duties


 Level 3 Beauty Therapy commencing Jan 2014 - Monday's 9.30am to 5.30pm, lasting approx 18
months

·         Face & Body electrical

·         Body Massage & stone therapy


Course funding may apply for level 1 & level 2 & level 3 depending on your personal circumstances .  24+ loans are also available for level 3 beauty therapy.

Course funding may apply and 24+ loans are available for level 3.
 You can apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan from April 2013 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2013. These loans help learners aged 24 or above pay the fees charged by colleges and training providers for courses at Level 3 and 4, or Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships.

Getting a Loan doesn't depend on your household income and there's no credit check. You won't have to pay anything back until you're earning over £21,000 a year. Once you earn over this amount you pay back 9% of the earnings you receive above this figure. The minimum loan amount is £300.

Do I qualify?

To qualify you must be:
  • Aged 24 or over on the first day of your course (there's no upper age-limit) and starting your course on or after 1 August 2013.
  • Living in the UK on the first day of your course and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years immediately before this.
  • Studying with a college or training organisation in England approved for public funding.
  • Enrolling on an eligible course at level 3 and above which includes: A levels, Access to HE Diplomas, other Diplomas and Certificates, Advanced Apprenticeships or Higher Apprenticeships.

How does it work?

The loans application process has now launched for courses beginning from 1 August 2013 (academic year 2013/14). The applications, assessment, payments and repayments will be administered by Student Finance England. The same organisation provides financial support for HE students. The loan will be paid directly to your college or training provider to cover the fees charged for your course.
Loan repayments are collected through the tax system and the first repayments will commence in April 2016 (for those leaving their course before April 2016), and then from the April after they leave their course from April 2016, which is the point that HMRC will introduce the £21,000 threshold.
Loan repayments will only start when the individual has left their course, entered repayment and is earning more than £21,000 a year. Any outstanding balance on a loan will be written off after 30 years.

For more details click on our links for funding queries or please don't hesitate to contact us :)


Wednesday 4 December 2013

Study Programme for 16-18 year olds

Our Study Programmes run at our Salon in Newcastle as well as our ALD Academy in Gateshead (next to Job Centre on Gateshead High Street). 

The study programme is a fantastic course that offers students aged between 16-18 years the opportunity to learn and be certificated in a vocational subjects, such as, hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy etc as well as gain a qualifications in maths and English.

Students attending the study programme will be entitled to a weekly bursary payment for their attendance. 

The opportunities for placements are available for students whilst on the programme which helps prepare them for working environments and to gain experience in professional organisations.

If you're interested in joining our study programme or would like more information please don't hesitate to contact us!






Here's a few more photos of our students from the study programme-