A former student, Amy Haida, who studied for qualifications in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, has returned to the College to inspire current students with her path to a career as a TV and Film Make-up Artist.

Nelson and Colne College has an outstanding local reputation for excellence in the provision of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy qualifications. Each year sees numerous young people progress from its challenging courses and into rewarding careers, even to university degree programmes in Film and Media Make-up. Students go on to work in local salons, on-board cruise liners, in luxury spas and even becoming entrepreneurs, starting their own successful businesses.

Amy studied qualification in Beauty Therapy at the College before progressing onto Foundation degree in Media Make-up. Realising that it would help her future career prospectus Amy then returned to the College to complete evening classes in Hairdressing where she gained her Level 2 qualification. She now works freelance as a make-up artist and has worked on programmes such as CBEEBIES Gigglebiz and two BBC period dramas called The Paradise and Jamaica Inn (which will be broadcast later this year).

Amy said, “It was great to be able to return to my College to speak to Level 3 Hairdressing students about how I achieved my career. Working freelance is exciting and allows me to work on some really interesting productions. I am grateful for the support I gained from my tutors at College in encouraging me towards my current career. It has been hard work, but it is definitely worth the effort.”

Caption: Amy (front seated) returns to the College salons. Back row, left to right Alex Nuttall, Lois Stephen and Laura Dixon