Bradford College

Bollywood Beauty Comes To Bradford

Representatives from Juice Hair Academy, jetted in from India to meet high level Bradford College officials. The visit to the UK forms part of an exclusive partnership between Bradford College and India’s premier hairstyling salon.

The partnership formed in 2008, has gone from strength to strength and has been approved by the British Council and financed by the Prime Minister's Initiative Fund.  The project has seen the development of customised e-learning packages that support the delivery of NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing programmes in the work place.  The strategic partnership has helped develop new models of employer engagement and provided staff development opportunities for all those involved in the international exchange.

During their visit to the UK, Juice Academy representatives Ms Meera Rathod Singh, Mr Shailesh Moolya and Ms Sangeeta Mahimutra spent time meeting Bradford College officials, touring the facilities and working alongside staff in the ‘Level6’ Salon. Speaking about the joint collaboration between the two institutions, Ms Mahimutra said: “Our partnership with Bradford College has enabled us to enhance our respective educational programmes and raise the skills and knowledge of stylists trained in Bradford and India.”  This is the second visit to the UK by staff from the Juice Academy. Ms Mahimutra added: “The trip has been very informative, enjoyable and interactive. We’ve had the opportunity to spend more time with the learners - and the staff have made us feel extremely welcome.”

Bradford College, Trainer/ Assessor, Dale Lowe added: “Its been a fantastic cultural experience for the students and staff involved in the project, we’ve gained a lot from the experience!”

Mr Shailesh Moolya reflecting on his visit to the UK said: “Its been a very beneficial and influential experience coming to the College.  The way we work in India, is quite different to how you do things here.  Its been great to learn from each other.”

In February 2009, staff from Bradford College flew over to India to experience life at the Juice Academy.  During their visit, staff met Juice stylists, highly regarded within the industry for their innovative work, which is regularly featured in magazines, film and television. Christine Reilly-Smythe, Programme Manager for Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy at Bradford College, reflecting on the visit to India said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for our staff to work and learn alongside staff from Bollywood’s leading salon. Our staff have enjoyed being involved in the project, which has benefitted staff and students from both institutions.”

As a leading provider of Hair and Beauty programmes within the region - Bradford College is highly regarded.  Offering industry recognised provision, from Level 1 to Degree Level in, which includes: Beauty Therapy, Spa Therapies, Nail Services, Beauty Therapy Sciences and Beauty Therapy Management. The project builds on the CoVE status of Bradford College which was awarded in recognition of the provisions offered, employer responsiveness and the teams of staff who have a wide range of professional backgrounds and expertise.

Commenting on the inspiring partnership, Ronnie Todd, Directorate Project Manager said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to learn from each other, not only from a technical perspective, but also from a cultural perspective. We hope that the visit will strengthen the long term relationship between the two institutions and provide lasting memories and friendships for both students and staff involved in the project.” Mr Todd concluded:  “The partnership between Bradford College and Juice Hair Academy is just one of a series of international initiatives. It’s great for the College to promote Bradford on an international stage.”