SCHOOLKIDS across Scotland are to be given the chance to earn formal qualifications in MAKE UP in the classroom – as the nation’s leading makeup college rolls out their acclaimed school programme across the country.
Children in Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh and Midlothian are already benefitting from the classes – which have been credited by school leaders with raising engagement, attainment and confidence for teenagers and boosting their employability.
Now Glamcandy – Scotland’s leading makeup college – are looking to expand the programme to classrooms across the country.
School leaders say the programme – which sees participants earn an SQA National Progression Award (NPA) in Makeup Skills – has “opened pupils eyes” to new career paths and has helped “develop key employability skills”.
The course is led by professional makeup artists and teaches areas including beauty, bridal and evening makeup as well as key skills such as hygiene and colour theory – and gives those who pass a recognised qualification that could lead to further education opportunities or employment as a trainee makeup artist.
Glamcandy are looking to take the courses Scotland-wide, with an initial focus on Fife, Glasgow and Edinburgh for the next academic year.
Ross Allan, deputy head teacher at Aberdeen Grammar School who are running the course this term, said pupils had “loved every minute” of the course.
He added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with GlamCandy to offer our pupils the opportunity to complete an NPA qualification in Make Up Skills.
“The pupils involved are loving every minute of this course, and are learning valuable skills that will stand them in good stead whether they pursue a related career or not.
“Their eyes have certainly been opened to the possibilities and career pathways within the industry.
“Molly, our course tutor, has given our young people an excellent experience and has been a fantastic role model in the process.
“A recent assessment involved several members of our staff acting as models for the pupils to complete an assessment – every member of staff that took part was impressed by our pupils, and everything they had learned on the course.”
The Glamcandy course is currently offered at Aberdeen Grammar and Oldmachar in the north-east, as well as at St Davids in Edinburgh.
Ellon Academy, Lochside Academy and Meldrum in Aberdeen and Penicuik, Beeslack and Wester Hailes in and around the Capital are to start the programme in the summer.
One Aberdeenshire pupil who has taken part in the course said: “I have enjoyed the makeup course as it has given me more confidence. By the end of the course I want to improve my eyeliner skills, it has been a great experience so far!”
Another added: “I want to be able to improve my makeup on others. The teacher is very kind, calm and understanding. The course is really good fun and a good experience in general.”
Steph Kent, enrolment manager at Glamcandy, said the firm are keen to hear from schools across Scotland who would like to offer the course.
She said: “We are really excited to launch this course across Scotland in 2023.
“As a makeup College, we have trained a high number of successful makeup artists since opening in 2011.
“Many have gone into successful careers by opening their own salons, teaching, working worldwide as makeup artists, launching their own cosmetics, beauty blogging and influencing.
“There are a huge number of careers in the industry and we’re proud to put students on the right track.
“We encourage students to get creative, challenge themselves and have fun doing it. This course helps to build confidence and teaches skills that will be useful in whatever career path they take upon leaving school.”
