Central Win Big At The Apprenticeship Awards

A Southend-based hairdressing training company is celebrating having been named Hair and Beauty Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Central Hairdressing Academy took the top prize this week in the FE Week and AELP ACC Apprenticeship Awards grand finals held in Birmingham.

Central Hairdressing Academy, based on London Road, Southend, were recognised for their outstanding delivery of hairdressing training and life skills by a panel of expert judges. The award comes as the company, founded by Martin Kolton MBE, celebrates 40 years in business.

With hairdressing training companies from across the UK all vying for the top spot, the win is a huge accolade and endorsement for the dedication, passion, and skill that Central have brought to the job for 40 years.

As long-standing holders of the Investor in People award, Central also hold the Matrix award – an international quality standard for organisations that deliver advice, information, and/or guidance. The company has also won awards for spearheading inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

For Chairman, Martin Kolton, promoting the benefits of apprenticeships comes from the heart, as he himself started out at the age of 16 as a hairdressing apprentice. He said: “So many of our tutors both now, and in years gone by, have all started out as apprentices themselves. This is so important to our business because they have absolute faith and belief in the value of what they are delivering.”

Central have an outstanding achievement rate when it comes to learners reaching their full potential. And many past learners have worked in every aspect of the hair industry from stylists and salon owners to session stylists and renowned wig makers.

Primrose Campbell, Managing Director of Central, believes that delivering apprenticeship training has evolved and looking after the overall wellbeing of the learners is now paramount. She added: “In entering this award we were keen to stress that we deliver so much more than just hair training. We offer support when it comes to the mental wellbeing of our learners, and we recognise and support neurodiversity. I would like to think that the judges acknowledged this and rewarded our holistic approach to training.”