Hairdressing
Welcome to the Lee Stafford Education Academy, the first and only one of its kind in Wales. Not just a celebrity endorsement, the training programme has been developed by Lee himself with specialists to train not only the students, but also our own experienced hair and barbering staff.
You will learn specially designed ‘recipes’ which are unique to Lee Stafford Academies, reflecting some of the most cutting-edge styles seen in salons across the UK. These provide training in specialist skills that you can’t get anywhere else.
You will receive training in up to 22 fundamental skills and techniques, which you will learn to what Lee calls ‘Michelin standard’. Once accomplished in these techniques, you are then encouraged to use your creativity with no bounds. These skills can be tested in national competitions with other Lee Stafford Academy students in FE colleges across the UK during the academic year.
We’re aiming to make our hair and barbering students the most employable in the country, so if you’re serious about hair, NPTC Group of Colleges is the place for you.
What will I do?
You will cover cutting, styling and setting skills, colouring, shampooing and conditioning, client consultation (including the recognition of diseases and disorders of the hair and scalp), basic salon health and safety, essential skills and retail.
At Level 3, you will undertake advanced cutting and styling skills, bridal hair, colouring, advanced salon health and safety, client consultation, retail, IT and communication skills.
As part of this programme, learners will be required to attend a work placement at an external organisation for at least one day per week or for a two-week block, and a twilight/evening commercial session at the College.
Career Opportunities
No other industry has such a constant worldwide demand for qualified, creative, well-trained individuals. The hair industry offers bright opportunities with careers in the fashion industry and working behind the scenes in film, theatre and TV. It also offers the independence to start your own salon.
Career options include:
- Barbering
- Colour technician
- Salon owner
- Senior stylist
- Wedding hairdresser
- Cruise worker
Hairdressing Excellence at the Lee Stafford Education Academy
Lee Stafford Education has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading hairdressing educators, securing a finalist position in a national hairdressing business awards programme. This recognition reflects a strong commitment to high-quality education, innovation and the development of professional skills within the hairdressing industry.
NPTC Group of Colleges is the only college in Wales to partner with Lee Stafford Education to deliver this specialist training at Afan College, Brecon Beacons College and Newtown College.
Students practise cutting-edge styles and techniques, known as recipes, designed by Lee and other leading stylists from across the industry in purpose-built salons that are open to the public.
It’s great to be able to give something back to students. I’m very passionate about giving young professionals the best opportunity for a good education, especially in hairdressing.
Above all, I’m excited to be working with NPTC Group of Colleges’ students to develop really strong techniques and great attitudes in preparation for a career in the hairdressing industry.
Click here to find out more about the Lee Stafford Academy
Applied Therapies
Including Beauty Therapy and Make-up Artistry
Today’s beauty and applied therapy industry is an ever‑expanding, ever‑changing and ever‑fascinating sector. If you are innovative and ambitious, there is no limit to your potential, whether your ambitions lie in becoming a salon owner, a beauty therapist, founding your own beauty company, working in make‑up artistry or becoming a college tutor.
No other industry has such a constant worldwide demand for qualified, creative and highly trained professionals. Our courses combine hands‑on practical training with industry knowledge, helping you develop confidence, creativity and professionalism in a salon‑style environment.
The beauty and applied therapy industry offers bright opportunities, including careers within the fashion and media industries, or the independence to start your own salon or spa. You could even progress into education and inspire others to enter the industry.
What will I do?
As part of the Lee Stafford Academy Hairdressing, Barbering and Applied Therapies, you will be taught in industry‑leading salons by highly skilled professionals with a wealth of beauty industry knowledge and experience.
Courses cover a wide range of practical and technical skills, including make‑up artistry, massage therapies, manicure and pedicure treatments, waxing, eyebrow shaping, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, as well as anatomy and physiology, skin analysis and hair growth.
At Level 3, you will develop more advanced skills and techniques, including face and body electricals. Massage pathways may include Swedish massage and stone massage therapy, alongside single lash treatments and make‑up artistry, depending on your course and location.
You will work in realistic salon environments, building professional skills and confidence while developing creativity, precision and attention to detail.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities within applied therapies are wide‑ranging and can include:
- Make‑up artist
- Beauty therapist
- Eyelash technician
- Nail technician
- Spa owner
- Freelance beauty therapist
- Beauty writer
- Beauty vlogger
- Aesthetician
These courses can also provide progression routes into higher‑level study or teaching within the beauty and applied therapy sector.
Sports Therapies
Sports therapists use their knowledge and skills to treat sporting injuries, advise on injury prevention and support rehabilitation, using a range of physical techniques and therapies. Day-to-day, as a sports therapist, you can be working with a range of different clients. Depending on whether you are employed or freelance, you could be working with sports professionals or everyday gym goers. You could be treating injuries, which may be longstanding, identifying problem areas early, or helping to prevent injuries before they occur.
What will I do?
Our courses aim to provide students with the opportunity to learn a range of practical skills that are needed in the field of managing and preventing sports injuries. These skills include sports massage, strapping and taping, fitness testing and the rehabilitation of common sports injuries. The underpinning knowledge includes anatomy and physiology, working in a sporting environment and first aid pitch-side duties.
Career Opportunities
Sports therapy and sports massage have become sought-after skills within the fitness industry. Sports massage therapists can help anyone – from athletes to occasional gym users – and will need to prevent injuries as much as treat them.
