MOTHER and daughter Debbie and Annabelle Tripp are both building successful careers in the beauty industry thanks to a head start from BCoT.

Mum Debbie was the first to come to the college when, at the age of 39, she decided she wanted a fresh start in her career. The part-time Beauty Therapy course gave her the qualification to work as a beautician.

“I started working as a mobile beauty therapist for my friends and family,” said Debbie. “I really enjoyed it and am very glad I completed my course.”

Before long, an opportunity arose to move into the former Hatch Warren doctor’s surgery and Debbie jumped at the chance. Nearly two years on, Debbie has turned The Courtyard into a tranquil haven for clients and the practice offers a wide range of treatments from manicures and massage to chiropody and osteopathy.

Daughter Annabelle had been fascinated by beauty therapy from a young age and knew she wanted a career in the industry.

Following completion of her full-time course at BCoT, she opted to join her mum at The Courtyard but hopes her talents could take her even further afield in the future.

“It’s a flexible industry that you can build a life around. I want to travel and see new places and I’d love to take my trade with me,” Annabelle said.

Both mother and daughter are still in regular contact with their former tutor, Jude Ifould, and Debbie credits BCoT for supplying her with most of her staff.

“We have taken on many BCoT students after their courses. We even took one student on work experience and were so impressed that she now works for us here,” explained Debbie.

“Jude really cares for her students, both their wellbeing and ensuring they leave their course ready for the demands of industry. She is caring and enthusiastic about her trade and that gets passed down to her students.”