A PILOT scheme to help Devon’s homeless gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to get their lives back on track and pursue a career in hair and barbering, has been launched.

The scheme gives new hope to homeless and vulnerably housed adults who want to learn a trade so they can support themselves and their loved ones.Now Devon County Council’s adult education service Learn Devon,  Hair@theAcademy, a specialist training salon supporting vulnerable people, Exeter salon The Hair Boutique and homeless shelter Gabriel House have joined forces to give the homeless a helping hand.

The launch was held in Exeter on Thursday, February 8, and was attended by learners, representatives from Learn Devon, The Hair Boutique, Catherine Kidman of the VTCT, the awarding body for the hairdressing qualifications,  and John McNally MP, Chair of the Hair industry All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).Six vulnerably-housed adults will take part in the course which will teach hairdressing skills, give practical experience and allow learners to work towards a Level 2 Certificate in Barbering.

The day-to-day training will be delivered by Hair@theAcademy - more than 90 per cent of Hair@theAcademy learners pass their qualifications, with 70 per cent moving on to further education or employment.

As part of the scheme specialist tutors at Learn Devon will be on-hand to help prepare the learners for the workplace. This includes ongoing support and help with their Maths and English skills.

The pilot is one of the first of its kind and could be rolled out across the country.

 Councillor Stuart Barker Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “One of our key priorities is improving opportunities for every Devon resident and supporting them to learn the skills they need to improve their lives so they can be independent and economically active.

 “This scheme does exactly that, it prepares individuals for the workplace, and helps learners find training placements and provides support with moving on to further training, employment or self-employment.” 

Alan Quick