Novus Hair and Beauty Learners at HMP Styal Graduate from Innovative Employability Programme

New Employer-Led Initiative Supports Learners into Sustainable Employment and Self-Employment

The first cohort of Hairdressing and Beauty learners at HMP Styal have successfully graduated from a bespoke employability programme designed to prepare them for successful careers upon release.

Launched in April by Novus, in partnership with The Glamour Garage, the innovative programme provides learners with direct access to industry professionals, helping them develop the practical skills, confidence and knowledge needed to secure employment or start their own business in the growing hair and beauty sector.

The course was created and delivered by Traci Witherington and Shelley Thompson from The Glamour Garage, combining industry expertise with real-world employability training to support learners as they transition back into the community.

Celebrating Success and New Beginnings

During a graduation ceremony held on Wednesday 17 June, learners received a course certificate, an employment reference and a professional hairdressing starter kit to support their next steps.

The programme has already delivered life-changing results. One learner, who is due for release this week, has secured employment at a local salon and is set to begin work shortly after leaving custody.

Building Employability Skills for the Hair and Beauty Industry

The curriculum was specifically designed to help learners develop the skills employers are actively seeking while also encouraging entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

Key areas of learning included:

• Starting and managing a business
• Building professional confidence
• Understanding the hair and beauty industry
• Developing client-facing and entrepreneurial skills
• Using AI tools to create a business brand
• Growing and marketing a small business

By combining technical industry knowledge with practical employability skills, learners gained valuable insight into how to build successful careers in the sector.

Learner Confidence Transformed

The impact of the programme was reflected in feedback from learners, many of whom described significant improvements in both confidence and future aspirations.

One learner said:

"My whole mindset has changed. I've always wanted to work in the hair and beauty industry, but now I have the knowledge I need to work for myself and set up my own business. My confidence has boosted massively."

They added:

"I am so excited to see what the future holds. This course has had a massive impact on my vision for the future. I can now see myself making positive steps and creating a happy and comfortable life for myself and my son."

Industry Partnerships Creating Real Opportunities

A key strength of the initiative is the partnership between Novus and The Glamour Garage, a respected employer within the hair and beauty industry.

Working directly with experienced professionals ensures learners receive relevant, up-to-date training aligned with current industry trends and employer expectations. As part of the graduation event, Traci and Shelley also delivered a demonstration showcasing the latest hair extension techniques, providing learners with valuable insight into emerging trends within the sector.

Supporting Rehabilitation Through Education and Employment

Employment is one of the most important factors in reducing reoffending and supporting successful rehabilitation. Programmes such as this help learners develop the confidence, skills and professional networks needed to build positive futures beyond custody.

As demand for skilled hair and beauty professionals continues to grow across the UK, initiatives like this ensure learners are equipped with the tools, knowledge and opportunities needed to thrive in employment, self-employment and further training.

Through strong employer partnerships and industry-focused learning, Novus continues to create meaningful pathways into work, helping learners transform their futures and achieve long-term success.

For more information on other employment projects, visit our news section.