Richard Ward
education
Richard’s renowned team of talented experts have been training and educating the next generation of talent for 3 decades, with more than 75% of our stylists and technicians successfully completing our in-house training programme to ensure we can consistently deliver our ethos: ‘exceptional as standard’.
Specialists in their field, the RW Education Team are seasoned professionals. Our educators don’t just talk the talk – they’re part of a dynamic 100-strong team leading the way in hair, colour, barbering, beauty and spa innovations, looking after the salon’s 1100 per week clientele. All of our education team are uncommonly home grown talents and leaders in their areas of expertise, exclusively working day to day on the salon floor and fully immersed within salon life, giving them a relatability and unique understanding of how to best implement our education programme in real-time.
Our Academy is based in its natural home environment at the country’s original super-salon, situated in the heart of London’s Chelsea. In this outstanding location, our education programmes offer delegates an unrivalled, tailored training experience, as well as a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes at the largest, busiest and highest-grossing independent salon in the UK. The salon provides not only a perfect educational environment but also affords a rare chance to see one of the UK’s most successful hair and beauty brands in action.
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Successfully nurturing the next generation for over 3 decades, we are proud that our tried and tested in-house training programme has produced the vast majority of the talented hairdressers and colourists working on our salon floor, whose passion is passing on their knowledge to the fledgling talents we employ on our apprenticeship scheme. We have no age restrictions when it comes to recruiting apprentices, and are happy to assess and re-train those who may have started but not completed training elsewhere, whether in a salon or college environment. We pay NMW or equivalent during the duration of the training programme, the length of which is solely down to the ability and dedication of those undertaking it.
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Our own unique Placement Scheme programme is now open to the wider hairdressing community. Our in-salon training is available for those currently studying for their T Level in Hairdressing or Beauty, NVQ Level 2 or 3 certification (or equivalent) who require an in-salon placement to accompany their training programme. Upon successful interview, you can learn from the best of the best in-situ and upskill yourself from the professionals. We will even pay NMW and there are no age restrictions.
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The RW Finishing School is perfect for the qualified hairdresser to fill specific gaps in their knowledge. Available for any trained professional who has a minimum of NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualification (or equivalent) or who has completed an in-salon apprenticeship, we can upskill the missing elements in our one-to-one sessions. Available on consecutive Mondays in the salon, applicants can cherry-pick the right educator for them to get them up to our renowned, RW exceptional standard. Price upon application.
THE RW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
This is our ultimate, comprehensive in-salon training programme which includes NVQ Level 2 Qualification.
Open to all - with NO AGE RESTRICTIONS - our talented team of educators work together to deliver our tried and tested, renowned in-house training programme. Once our basic RW Level 1 qualification is achieved, delegates can choose to specialise in either cutting & styling or colour & technical, and the next 2 levels of our training programme are tailored to ensure that upon completion, our apprentices are ready for the salon floor, with many progressing to join our senior team. We pay NMW or equivalent, and after an initial qualifying period, our Apprentices are eligible for our RW Apprentice Travel Benefit Scheme which pays a % contribution towards their travel costs.
THE RW PLACEMENT SCHEME
This is the ultimate, paid in-salon placement for the trainee hairdresser.
Open to those studying T Levels, NVQ Level 2 or 3 at college or equivalent who are seeking an in-salon placement as part of their education programme, come and enhance your training experience by joining our team of assistants part-time. We pay NMW or equivalent and have no age restrictions.
THE RW FINISHING SCHOOL
This is the ultimate programme of education to perfect the already qualified hairdresser.
Delegates will first be trade tested by our experts to ascertain exactly what areas we need to focus on up-skilling, because the RW experience is more than just great hair, cut, colour or finish. Whether you’re a relatively new stylist or a seasoned professional, we will give you the tools to deliver not just great services, but an in-depth and artful consultation and bespoke analysis. Upon assessment, we will establish a unique programme of education tailored with the right experts for you.
Available for any trained professional who has a minimum of NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualification (or equivalent) or who has completed an in-salon apprenticeship.
POA. Please contact us for a quotation.
Our Educators
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Nando Lopes
Education Director Nando is quite simply (in Richard’s opinion) one of the most gifted hairdressers of his generation. His role as lead mentor and educator of the RW Apprentice team has led to an unprecedented 75% of the salon’s senior team having been inspired and motivated to learn from his unique skill-set, and his talents have undoubtedly led the salon to be synonymous with the flawless finish of couture hair. Nando oversees all of the company’s education programmes working with Lead Educator and Creative Director Joey and Training Manager Jonathan, as well as his carefully chosen team of in-salon educators.
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Cristiano Basciu
Artistic Director Crissy is without question the celebrity and fashionista’s go-to stylist of choice. His reputation for cutting edge session work precedes him, and he single-handedly ensures the RW Art Team are always at the forefront of glamorous, catwalk hair, working extensively with the media and a stable of innovative UK fashion houses, designers and product companies to deliver perfect RW Couture looks and showcasing the brand to a global audience. Artistic Team Manager Edna and Creative Director Tommy work closely with Crissy to deliver not only our styling education but in sharing his signature session styling techniques in his trademark up-do’s.
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Fiona Chandler-Day
Salon Director Fiona is renowned as being one of the most experienced and talented hairdressers of her generation when it comes to all things chignon. The Queen of the Up-Do, Fiona’s trademark attention to intricate detail has ensured that her specialist skills in bridal and evening hair continue to be much in demand, as well as inspiring the next generation of hairdressers in her traditional and exceptional talents. Her expertise in thinning, sparsening hair makes her the leading light in knowledge and innovation in this increasingly in-demand field, and Fi happily shares her detailed and unrivalled knowledge during her educational sessions.
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Mario Charalambous
Technical Director Mario is renowned in the industry for his unrivalled, encyclopedic colour knowledge. His long career and vast experience have led to his reputation as one of the leading colourists the UK has produced. Mario lectures and educates on an international level and he continues to inspire and inform on how to deliver an unrivalled salon colour experience. Mario works with his talented team of in-salon colourists to deliver our extensive, comprehensive and unsurpassed technical education, honing delegates talents and passing on his extensive skill-set and knowledge base to delegates.
Terms & Conditions
Where applicable, you may be required to provide some models for practical training sessions. You will be advised of this upon booking.
For quoted education, the full balance is payable upon booking. Your booking is not complete or confirmed without payment. No refunds will be issued for any cancellations made within 7 days of the course date. Please arrive 15 minutes before your course start time for registration.