Hair and Beauty students’ pamper treat for deserving NHS hospital staff

Students from New City College’s Hair and Beauty courses offered their skills to NHS staff at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, during a special careers fest designed to thank healthcare professionals for their hard work.

Organised by the Barking, Havering, and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), the event provided a well-deserved boost for doctors, nurses and other workers with a variety of talks, presentations and stalls – including the pampering and relaxing treatments from NCC students.

The Hair and Beauty workshop offered a range of complimentary treatments, including mini manicures, hand and arm massages, shoulder massages and hair straightening and curling.

The students from Ardleigh Green Campus have been carrying out regular work experience on the wards at the hospital over the last few months and it was a great opportunity for them to be able to practise their skills as well as offer some much-appreciated treatments to the NHS staff.

One healthcare worker said: “The students are all very professional. I will definitely be visiting the college for more treatments and taking my friends with me.”

Another said: “It was amazing to receive such lovely treatments. What a brilliant idea! I came in with straight hair and I’m now going home with a lovely beach wave. My colleague had a hand massage and manicure which she said was superb. It’s just nice to sit and relax and be pampered.”

One of the students said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the careers fest – it was nice to give something back to the NHS staff who work so hard for the community. It was rewarding when you saw the smiles on their faces. It also helped us develop good communication and people skills.”

Industry Placements and Work Experience Officer for NCC, Dawn Atkinson, said: “New City College was delighted to be asked if our students would run a Hair and Beauty workshop at the careers fest. There were lots of different treatments on offer and there were a lot of happy and relaxed customers, thanks to the skills of our fabulous students.

“We are pleased to also offer the staff at Queen’s Hospital a guaranteed discount when booking any treatments when our new Hair & Beauty Salons open at our Ardleigh Green Campus.”

The careers fest initiative was part of a broader celebration of the vital work carried out across the BHRUT Trust, featuring activities such as bike repairs, health checks, career mentoring sessions, lifestyle tips, wellbeing talks, and more.

The partnership between New City College and BHRUT highlights the college’s commitment to community engagement and supporting local initiatives. The event not only provided valuable experience for the students but also allowed them to make a positive difference to the lives of those who work hard for the health and wellbeing of others.

Business Employer Event

The first ever Business Employer Event for the Hair and Beauty department at Epping Forest Campus was hailed as a brilliant success.

Employers had the opportunity to network with teachers and managers of the curriculum team and were given a guided tour of the salon and excellent facilities.

The event has given NCC the opportunity to partner with employees to develop their future workforce and give students ongoing training and progression into the industry.

One employer said: “It’s a great idea and I couldn’t believe the brilliant facilities that the college has. We gained a lot of information and have signed up for all dates to help with work experience as the students were very professional.”

If you are interested in joining our employee forum and shaping your future workforce, please get in touch at info@ncclondon.ac.uk