Winter 2019 \ Interview
EN-ABLE-ING EDUCATION
• Andrew Barton has launched a new educational programme, ABLE • It will complement the NVQ programme in colleges • It features all aspects of competent professional hairdressing
to cement colleges as the chosen training destination. It has already created great new relationships and commercial success for the colleges involved. CH: How does the programme work?
Renowned celebrity hairdresser and Creative Director of Headmasters, Andrew Barton, has launched a new education concept, Andrew Barton London Education, or ABLE. We caught up with him to find out what it’s all about.
Concept Hair: What gave you the idea for ABLE? Andrew Barton: I have always been frustrated by the debate between salon and college education. I wanted to bridge the gap, creating something that gave students more chances of success, satisfaction and confidence. It is a completely new approach to hairdressing training. CH: Why is education so important to you? AB: As a salon owner and Creative Director, I recognise the power education has at every level. I was blessed with a high standard of training as an apprentice and training transforms a stylist’s delivery and feelings about their work and themselves. 36 / Concept Hair
CH: Why did you decide to go straight into colleges rather than online education? AB: Complementing the NVQ programme gives students increased stimulation and provides lecturers with inspired learning tools to deliver exciting education. Colleges have a great opportunity to influence the professionals who will soon be at the forefront of our industry. CH: How have colleges reacted to the idea? AB: Since the launch in Autumn 2018 it has been very well received. We have ensured that colleges understand how easily it fits into their curriculum and can benefit students. ABLE is also an opportunity for colleges to build relationships with local salons, helping
AB: ABLE is skills-led and presented in a series of training tools, including an online platform, print material, a teacher training guide and a Facebook page. Mirroring the NVQ syllabus, ABLE features all aspects of competent professional hairdressing – cutting, colouring, styling, dressing and leadership. CH: What do you see for the future of ABLE? AB: Over the coming years, ABLE will be widely available across the UK and beyond. My ambition is to increase industry standards and equip trainee ABLE hairdressers with the skills they need to be salon ready and have rewarding careers. CH: What is your advice for students and apprentices? AB: This is something I was taught during my apprenticeship: never accept ‘okay’ as a standard, because it’s not! This statement defines ABLE. It is about elevating the learning process, building confidence and boosting an individual’s potential.
“Itherecognise power education has at every level
”