Get to Know Zoe Bloor, Curriculum Leader for Beauty Therapy

I teach Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 and hopefully level 5 in the near future. I love seeing my learners progress through the levels, growing in confidence and developing the essential skills for their chosen careers.

I have been in the industry for over 30 years and I worked in spas and salon settings. I actually came to Stafford as part of my teacher training in 2001 and stayed here ever since! My love of teaching comes from teaching body massage during the evenings and the rest is history.

I met up with a colleague I used to work with at the spa and we were chatting about salon and spa work overall. I wasn't feeling particularly challenged at work and she reminded me how much I enjoyed doing make-up lessons and information sharing with clients. So she suggested I might enjoy teaching and I've not looked back.

This course is so interesting and explores many aspects for anyone wanting to develop their professional skills. I really enjoy delivering the physiology of ageing unit which really looks at the structures in the skin and how they change due to age. As part of our chemistry, dermatology and microbiology units, we've taken learners over to the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology testing lab to make cosmetic products and then test them for bacteria which was really interesting and lots of fun for the group. This kind of industry insight gives them the opportunity to experience an added dimension to their studies, enabling them to really think about the products they are using on clients.

The practical aspects of carrying out laser hair removal are fascinating and being able to showcase skin rejuvenation treatments is amazing. All of my practical sessions are enhanced with the use of the state-of-the-art Lynton machines we use.

The Lynton machines are state-of-the-art pieces of equipment and essential for the treatments we cover on the Level 4 course. They give us great hair removal results and learners get to see reduced pigmentation/age spots and broken capillaries/thread veins from the facial treatments. The machines combine laser and IPL attachments to work on all skin types and different conditions so we are really helping students to gain the competitive skills using this equipment for their careers and higher level study.

I have high expectations and I am really clear about the work that needs to be completed, however I am really approachable and open with my students. Our classes are fun and we talk about everything. This means students feel that they can easily ask for help and clarification and I really love the discussions we have.

Practical! There is nothing better than seeing amazing results and happy clients.

With licensing coming in for the beauty industry, regulated qualifications such as this Level 4 course are required to ensure that all therapists are highly trained to carry out treatments. The beauty industry is changing a lot at the moment and being able to offer these qualifications for students who want to progress into aesthetics industry will mean that this and other higher level qualifications will be required for regulation purposes.

In terms of popularity, we are seeing lots of interest in this course as it's one of only a small number across the region so having this training on our doorsteps is amazing. Students joining us on this part-time course will benefit from our caring, support and fun environment in order to achieve their personal and professional goals.

The Lynton laser machine technology is used in the NHS and have an outstanding reputation, so this is where NSCG really stands out. Being able to offer this at Stafford College helps us to really stand out from other training establishments. Using the best machines will help our students to see the benefits of the treatments and motivate them to continue with their training and use them confidently in industry. NSCG have significantly invested in this course by purchasing these top-end machines and in creating a bespoke clinic in order to give the students the best experience. In addition, we are also so lucky to have access to the magnificent facilities at the Institute of Technology to carry out our practical projects.