Hi!

I’m Natalie Procter, and I’m a Lecturer in Hairdressing at Newcastle College.

I first started my hairdressing journey when I was 15 years old, and successfully landed myself a Saturday position in a local salon. I have worked in various salons across Staffordshire and have gained the experience to have a successful career to date.

I studied hairdressing through the full time education route, whilst working part time in a salon at the same time. I felt this helped to give me that extra knowledge I needed to succeed. Throughout my career, I have entered competitions, which I found inspiring and have had the opportunity to work alongside Gok Wan on his catwalk show, ‘One size fits all’.

I then went onto complete my degree in teaching so that I can instil the passion and drive I have onto new and upcoming stylists and technicians. Hairdressing is a rewarding career as you can be creative within the skill, as well as helping others to feel good in themselves.

I look forward to meeting you very soon!

Hi!

I’m Mary Wright and I’m a Lecturer in Beauty and also a Personal Tutor

Since qualifying as a Level 3 Beauty Therapist, I have worked in the industry in a few different roles. I initially gained experience working for myself before training to be a Clarins therapist working in a salon offering treatments and retailing products.

I have been teaching and assessing for around 19 years and I have worked at both the Stafford and Newcastle Campuses, across Levels 1, 2 and 3. I was also part of the writing team for Beauty Therapy for VTCT the awarding body when their new Technical Qualifications were designed a few years ago, which was really insightful.

I have enjoyed all my industry experience so far, both in industry and here at College, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.

Hi!

I’m Shelley Cross and I’m a Lecturer in Beauty, Media & Make-up.

I started my career 34 years ago and attended the Mathew Bolton College studying Art & Design.

I originally started as a professional artist in design and screen printing and worked with companies including the England rugby team, Speedo & Nike, designing their branding. I felt after a few years in this industry that I wanted to explore a different direction and took a make-up artist course.

Shortly after, I was head hunted by the BBC and Grimas Make-up and became a designer and trainer for them teaching in universities, colleges and theatres. I started working with the BBC in TV, film, and theatre and then chose to teach for colleges, alongside my freelance career. This took me all over the world working with celebrities on music videos, magazines, films and fashion shows.

I have worked with many artists including Mark Owen, Mariah Carey, So Solid Crew, Back Street Boys, Fun Loving Criminals and Apache Indian.

After 20 years, I opened my own school of make-up and agency teaching, media, special effects, prosthetics and fashion.

I came out of semi-retirement to teach at NSCG, and I love every minute!

Hi!

I’m Rachael White and I’m a Lecturer in Hairdressing.

I am from Barnsley, and when I left school, I went to college to study NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Beauty Therapy. I then progressed to study for an NVQ Level 2 & 3 Hairdressing and Assessors award.

I started working for Regis Hairstylists whilst at college. When I was 21, I relocated to Hampshire where I started a job as Salon Manager working for Regis in Bournemouth. I also spent 3 months in London at the Schwarzkopf Professional Academy training to become a Schwarzkopf technical associate, which then led me into teaching colour knowledge.

In 2003, I made the leap into teaching hairdressing in college by doing a Certificate in Education through the University of Greenwich, and doing voluntary teaching on my day off. When a full time role became available at Bournemouth College, I went for it.

In 2011, I relocated to Stoke on Trent and started work at Francesco Group as an Educator. In 2018 I started at NSCG as a full time Lecturer and IQA. I have a real passion and drive for teaching and learning and developing the skills needed in this industry.

Hi!

I’m Lynn Warren and I’m the Personal Tutor for the Hair, Beauty and Make-up department.

I always wanted to be a hairdresser and once I left school, I began an apprenticeship in a local hairdressing salon.

Throughout my hairdressing career I have worked in salons in Longton and Hanley. I also worked for many years as a self-employed hairdresser in a salon, loving every minute. During the later years, I began to help to train the salon apprentices. I found this experience to be extremely rewarding and I knew then that teaching was for me.

I came to Newcastle College in 2010 and completed my teaching qualification. I was teaching hairdressing and loved working with the students, sharing my knowledge and experience of the industry.

Supporting the students was something that I found really rewarding. When the opportunity came to work as the Personal Tutor in 2016, I knew that this was the ideal role for me. I thoroughly enjoy being the department’s Personal Tutor, and I strive to advise and guide the students through their chosen course, helping them to get the most from their time here at the Newcastle Campus.

Hi,

I'm Mel Tench, and I’m the Administrator for the Hair, Beauty and Make up department, and I have worked here for 3 years.

After school, I gained an apprenticeship in a local hair salon, and completed my NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing and progressed from junior to stylist.

Before working at NSCG, I worked in two salons, and trained at Brewster’s, a chain of salons in Warrington. I won a cutting/styling competition with Toni and Guy and won a pair of £300 scissors. A little later I found my husband using these scissors to cut paper and they were totally blunted. A lesson there for you is never let anyone use your scissors for anything except cutting hair!! I also worked as a self-employed hairdresser. I then went onto working as a part time receptionist in the beauty department at a Cheshire College, where I progressed to become a full time hairdressing technician.

My advice to you would be not to avoid units of the course which you find difficult. Embrace these challenges!