HAIR and beauty students were given advice to help with their future careers at a college event.

Industry staff at New College Durham and external specialists, showcased their skills and provided interactive taster sessions for the college’s hair and beauty students - to help them gain the necessary skills they need for employment.

Lisa Spencer, curriculum manager for hair and beauty at New College Durham, said: “This is the first time we have organised an employability week and it has been a great success.

“It has widened the students’ understanding of job opportunities, given them additional skills and techniques and has provided them with an expectation of the real world of work.”

So far this week students have been participating in workshops and speaking to industry experts while on Wednesday they will be travelling to Birmingham for the World Skills competition.

Jack Haywood, 18-year-old level one beauty therapy student from Sherburn, said: “I was a model for the hot stone therapy workshop this morning and it was amazing.

“The sessions today have given me a better knowledge of the skills I will need for employment in the industry and has opened my mind to greater opportunities for the future.”