Barbering students were given the opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most inspiring and motivating hairdressers during a recent masterclass.
Simon Shaw, Global Artistic Director at Wahl (UK), shared his vast knowledge of the industry via Microsoft Teams where he spoke in depth about career pathways, answered questions during an open talk and discussed key barbering techniques with his signature clippers.
Known worldwide for his passionate and innovative approach towards hairdressing and education, Simon hosts seminars and courses within the Wahl Academy as well as leading must-see exhibitions and stage shows around the globe.
Simon said: “The idea behind the Team Talk is for me and the Wahl Team to meet all the wonderful hairdressers and barbers in this difficult time of lockdown.
“The goal is to share knowledge, raise a smile and feel united together.”
After many successful years as Artistic Director, Simon is one of the most popular and highly regarded hairdressers within the industry, making regular appearances on BBC, ITV and Channel 4. He is recognised as a British Grand Master Barber and his clientele includes prominent TV, media and sports stars.
Novice barber, Martin Bourne, said: “It was an amazing experience to do the live team talk with Simon.
“To be given the opportunity listen and speak to a real titan of the industry was a huge surprise. The impact and motivation of this to me is huge.”
Barbering student, Stacey Wright, added: “It was insightful in helping me see the bigger picture about life in barbering after education.”
Lecturer Mark Sowerby, who arranged the virtual masterclass, said: “We are really lucky to have this opportunity. Wahl is the biggest brand in barbering and our students see their artistic team on stage at all if the big events, but it’s not every day that you get to speak to Simon Shaw and listen to him talk about the industry we love.
“We would like to thank Simon for delivering the masterclass which will inspire our students to push their skills to the next level.”
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
