Three Keighley College students are among the first young people nationally to gain a modern apprenticeship qualification in hairdressing.

Emma Hinchliffe, Deanna Megson and Kirsty Brown spent three years studying at the college and on work placement. In addition to hairdressing, the course also covered other key skills and beauty therapy techniques.

Deanna, from Ingrow, and Kirsty, of Haworth, are both stylists at Streets Ahead in Henry Street, Keighley. Salon owner Tony Walsh says: "Their commitment to the training has been second to none. They took on the challenge and have worked hard to achieve what is now the highest level of qualification in hairdressing. I cannot praise enough the teaching staff at the college. They keep in touch on a regular basis, both to give feedback on how their trainees are progressing and to ensure that techniques taught are relevant."

Emma - from Queensbury - achieved NVQs in beauty therapy, body massage and aromatherapy as well as hairdressing. Working with her mother, she is planning to open a beauty salon on the same site as the family business in Halifax.

She is returning to Keighley College next month to study for a City and Guilds Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate.

Heather Whitehead, team manager of hairdressing and beauty therapy at Keighley College, says: "We are extremely proud of the girls and their achievement. Although we train many hairdressers and beauty therapists at the college, these three girls have had to work particularly hard to attain this prestigious national qualification. Now they are among the best trained and qualified people in their profession and I am sure can look forward to a great career."

Anyone interested in studying on a modern apprenticeship programme - or who wants more details about the college's range of hairdressing, beauty therapy or teaching programmes - should phone 618600.

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