THE FELLOWSHIP’S THREE STAR CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE WINS EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT AWARD

The awards ceremony took place at  Solihull College and University Centre, celebrating excellence across the further education sector, with a prestigious panel of industry leaders evaluating nominations from across the UK.

This exceptional day honoured outstanding achievements in hairdressing and barbering education, spotlighting the individuals, teams, colleges, and training providers who are shaping the future of the industry.

West Suffolk College’s win at the Concept Hair College Recognition Awards recognises their outstanding work in building strong industry partnerships, connecting learners with real opportunities and helping bridge the gap between education and employment.

The news of their award win comes alongside the announcement that West Suffolk College’s Head of Hair and Beauty, Marnie Williams has joined the Fellowship’s Executive Board in the unveiling of the organisation’s next phase of development. Marnie joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Further Education and Centres of Excellence - aiming to help bridge the gap between education and employment, whilst giving the next generation the support and preparation for succeeding in to industry. 

Marnie manages the Academy of Hair & Beauty Studies at the Eastern Education Group in East Anglia, a team of talented, passionate, and professional industry educators who strive for excellence every day – imparting knowledge, skills and theories that go beyond qualifications.

The Eastern Education Group has been recognised as a Three Star Fellowship Centre of Excellence for the achievements of it’s students, the opportunities the college has created for them and ensuring that every student achieves their potential. The college has also been awarded ‘outstanding’ in all four areas of OFSTED measures, including ‘strong’ for the newest skills category.

Marnie has worked with the Fellowship for almost fours years helping to create the Centre of Excellence project - modelling, piloting, re-working, and developing a programme that will recognise excellent education for 16–19-year-olds leaving school and into industry. This creates opportunity, extends training and grows experiences beyond the ‘qualification’. This programme plans to change the narrative around college education and to endorse those training establishments that go above and beyond for the hairdressers and barbers who will sustain our industry into the future.

Commenting on this incredible award win, Marnie said: “To be recognised By the Concept Recognition Awards as having excellent practice in ‘Employer Engagement’ is a real honour and recognition for how seriously we take this as part of our FE College responsibilities. Each member of the team endeavour to include both local and regional employers and industry experts in our delivery, mentorship, and assessment of students’ progress and achievements. And this pays off in the high standards our young people achieve consistently that go way above qualification requirements. We are delighted with this award!”