Outstanding Collinge & Co Training

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Collinge & Co Training is one of the UK’s leading independent training providers and is based in the North West. It has provided Level 2 and Level 3 hairdressing apprenticeship training for more than 40 years. The apprentices are employed by both Collinge & Co and partner salons in the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Collinge & Co Training prides itself on its commitment to providing a high standard of education and preparing apprentices well for sustainable careers within the hairdressing industry. Successful outcomes at Collinge & Co Training are substantially higher than the national average.

Collinge & Co Training

The training centre is located on Bold Street, in the heart of Liverpool’s student area. It  operates commercially and creates a supportive space where apprentices can build upon their theoretical knowledge and develop their technical skills, confidence and independence in a real salon environment. Inspectors found apprentices “thoroughly enjoy the amazing experience they have while training at Collinge & Co Training”. The report acknowledges that “most apprentices achieve their apprenticeship”.

Great outcomes

Regarding the quality of education provided, the report highlighted how leaders and managers are determined that apprentices receive an outstanding education through a “highly ambitious” curriculum, designed to meet the needs of hairdressing employers across the region. Inspectors reported that tutors are ‘highly skilled hairdressers’ who teach their subject to “a very high standard”. The report goes on to say “Apprentices achieve their full potential because of the expertise and experience of the tutors”.

The report also identified Collinge & Co Training as a “warm, inclusive and welcoming environment”, in which apprentices thrive, feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

The report noted how learners are provided with ample opportunities to develop their skills, creativity and careers, whether that is through advancing onto the Level 3 Advanced & Creative programme, participating in industry events and competitions, or attending bespoke workshops.

Apprenticeships Director, Alison Gibson, says, “I’m very proud of the training team and delighted that Ofsted have recognised their commitment to providing the best possible experience for the apprentices who train with us. Collinge & Co training looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional hairdressing education for young people across the North West.”

Alison Gibson

Charlie Collinge, Managing Director of Collinge & Co, says: “It’s a fantastic achievement to be awarded Outstanding by Ofsted. The training team, under the direction of Alison Gibson, deserve this recognition as they are dedicated to the development and learning experience for the apprentices we train. I am very proud of our skilled tutors and the whole training team that support all the apprentices to ensure they reach their potential. I would also like to acknowledge the apprentices and the salons we provide training for – the high pass rate, and the number of distinctions the apprentices achieve, show that they are equally as ambitious in reaching their goals.”