Meet Helen Morning, Manager of the Graduate Salon
Since joining Middlesbrough College in 2021, Helen Morning has brought a wealth of industry experience, and her passion for training continues to shape the next generation of Hair and Beauty professionals.
“My career started when I was an apprentice with Saks, where I worked for four years developing my skills, before working on cruise ships as a hairdresser.
“Before joining Middlesbrough College, I was a Salon Manager for 12 years.
“I always enjoyed the training side within in my previous roles, so when I saw a job role as an IDA, I knew it was the right path for me into teaching.”
Helen soon took on the role of Salon Manager and from next year, she will be a full-time lecturer.
As Salon Manager, Helen’s oversees the daily operations of the Graduate Salon, Middlesbrough College’s commercial hair and beauty salon, which is open to students, staff and the wider community.
“I love to see my students progress within their studies and develop their confidence. The commercial salon environment has helped build on their confidence as they have worked with clients and practiced their techniques.
“Many learners started their course nervous about working in a customer-facing environment, but their confidence has grown so much by the end of the course. It’s fantastic to see them secure jobs once they complete their studies!”
The salon continues to innovate, recently introducing new sustainability initiatives that help students and staff monitor colour usage and reduce waste.
Helen recently graduated from the prestigious L’Oréal Lecturer Excellence Programme, making Middlesbrough College one of only nine colleges in the UK authorised to deliver L’Oréal professional training.
“It’s a high-level training initiative covering advanced colour techniques and creativity skills. I will be delivering the programme to my first cohort of students in the new Spring term, and it will give them a recognised qualification they can take directly into the industry.”
Alongside their studies, students can also take part in various competitions to showcase their skills!
“One of my favourite parts of my role is the competition side. The department now takes part in five competitions each year, including WorldSkills and the L’Oréal Colour Trophy.
“Our learners have been named finalists in many awards, including Concept Hair’s Learner of the Year 2026!”
The recent competition saw two learners, Kate Taylor and Kerri Middleton, named finalists in their respective categories; Level 3 Seasonal Colour and Level 3 Art Deco Hair Up. With over 3,300 entries, being named in the Top 6 is an outstanding achievement!
When asked what her advice would be to someone considering a role at Middlesbrough College, Helen said:
“I would definitely recommend applying for a role here! Everyone is really supportive and it’s a good community to be part of. Our team is always growing with new talent; we’ve recently had two previous students join the salon team after they have gained their Level 3 qualifications.”
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