Nicola Roberts, head of quality at Direct Skills Group, reveals what she loves most about her role – and why budding beauticians should consider learning their craft with the leading training provider.
What inspired you to embark on a career in beauty therapy?
After graduating, I continued to work at the salon where I had completed my apprenticeship and took on a more senior role.
Later down the line, I decided to embark on a teaching degree at university, with the aim of becoming a beauty therapy tutor. Half way through my degree, Direct Skills Group was recruiting for a full-time tutor and offered me the position.
I guess you could say the rest is history – I left the salon, joined the teaching team at college and I’ve been here ever since.
This summer, I will have been working in the industry, in both salon and college for 20 years, which I can’t quite believe.
Tell us about your role at Direct Skills Group…
After many years working as a tutor in Level 3 advanced apprenticeships in beauty therapy, I’ve now moved into the role of Head of Quality, which I’m really enjoying.
It’s my job to oversee the delivery of our training courses within beauty therapy and ensure that the quality is kept and remains as high as possible across the business – even as it grows and expands into new cities.
It’s a busy and varied role – and I’m still learning every day – but I feel my experience as a student, a working beauty therapist and a tutor helps to give me the tools and knowledge I need.
What does a typical week at work look like for you?
No two days are the same – which I really like. But on an average week, I spend my time between timetabling exams and classes, overseeing all our beauty tutors, apprenticeships and adult learners – for whom we’re steadily growing our course options – while ensuring the quality is maintained and our delivery is to the highest of standards.
I’m also in the classroom as a tutor one day a week, teaching our slightly older students who are in their second year of training. I’ll always have a love for teaching, so it’s wonderful to be able to incorporate it into my working week.
I also work closely with the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency), as well as Ofsted, to ensure Direct Skills Group is doing everything it can to obtain fantastic grades from an educational perspective.
Why should those in search of a career in beauty therapy choose to train with Direct Skills Group?
Our commitment to delivering courses of the highest standard possible and the quality of the training we deliver. The fact that our tutors still work in the industry helps us set the bar high.
Not only are they well-versed in delivering exceptional, up-to-date courses, they’re also highly-experienced individuals who know how salons operate today, what employers are looking for, what the biggest trends in the industry are, and so on.
This first-hand experience is a huge benefit to our students and ensures they’re as prepared and as confident as they can be when it’s time to enter the world of work.
What are your favourite aspects of your job?
Being able to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and sharing my experience with future therapists is a great feeling. I’d like to think that because I was once a student here myself, they can look at my story and see which areas of work are open to them. Whether that’s a therapist, a tutor or another tole within the industry.
I also really enjoy the fact that I get to touch base with so many different people across the business – from our managing director, Lewis, and training director, Rebecca, to the governing boards and our tutors on the front line. It’s a fantastic, fulfilling and varied role that keeps me on my toes.
For more information about Direct Skills Group and the range of training courses it offers, visit www.directskillsgroup.co.uk
