Our Beauty students had the opportunity to step into the world of professional beauty this term, taking part in a hands-on industry session delivered in collaboration with Ivy & Woods.
We welcomed self-employed therapist Jess Taylor into the salon, where students gained valuable insight into what it really takes to succeed in the industry. From building a loyal client base to managing your own business, Jess shared honest advice and personal experiences – helping our students understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with a career in beauty.
The session wasn’t just about listening – it was about learning by doing. Students took part in a practical nail art masterclass, where they explored new techniques currently used across the industry. As the session progressed, confidence quickly grew, with students developing their skills in real time while receiving expert guidance and feedback.
Jess Taylor said: “The students were a pleasure to work with – engaged, enthusiastic, and genuinely interested in both the realities of the beauty industry and developing their practical skills. It was especially rewarding to see how quickly they applied the techniques from the session. Their confidence and quality of work improved almost immediately, which really highlights the value of hands-on learning alongside honest industry insight.
“From an employer’s perspective, engaging with Hull College is hugely valuable. It provides a great opportunity to connect with upcoming talent, share real-world experience, and help bridge the gap between education and industry expectations.”
Experiences like this play an important role in helping our students go beyond the classroom and prepare for their future careers. By working directly with industry professionals, our students not only develop their technical skills, but also gain the confidence, knowledge and mindset needed to succeed in the workplace.
Discover more about our range of Beauty courses for school leavers and adults here.
