Hopwood Hall surprised by Councillor's comments

Derek O’Toole, Principal of Hopwood Hall College

Derek O’Toole, Principal of Hopwood Hall College has responded to Councillor Greg Couzens’ recent comments regarding his decision to use a college outside of Rochdale to train staff for his business because he said Hopwood Hall cannot meet his needs.

On Saturday (12 June 2010) Rochdale Online published a story where Mr. Couzens was quoted saying; “Up until twelve months ago my apprentices were trained at Rochdale College but unfortunately I was told that I could no longer receive training within my salon, whereas Bury were quick to accommodate, it saddens me that Rochdale College could not be more accommodating I have had lengthy debates with senior members of staff and the principal all to no avail”.

With regard to Mr. Couzens comments, Derek O’Toole, Principal of Hopwood Hall College said: “I, as Principal of Hopwood Hall College, have never met with Mr. Couzens however I would be glad to do so in the very near future, as the opportunities arise.

“Hopwood Hall College cannot to respond to the demand for local hairdressing apprenticeships as fully as we would like to, for the simple reason that we do not have the funding to do so.

“We have a limited contract from our funding body the Skills Funding Agency within which to work and I have raised this issue with them.

“While the College does offer a broad range of apprenticeship programmes, hairdressing is an area in which at present we can only offer a limited response.

“The College desperately wants to grow and broaden its apprenticeship offer and so contribute to the local economic recovery. We will continue to lobby and canvas to be able to offer these apprenticeships so that we can fully respond to local demand.”

Mr Couzens said: “I spoke to Hazel Faraz, bearing in mind that this all took place over 12 months ago and I was categorically informed that I could no longer receive training within my salon.

“The information was given as I was led to believe from the principal, as you could imagine I was astounded, even though I employ a fully qualified assessor who is more than capable of contributing towards the workload.

“I apologise if I misled with my previous comments, I spoke at length with the hairdressing department and Hazel Faraz who I thought was the principal.

“I have worked closely with the Hairdressing department judging competitions, helping with the design of their salon, holding regular demonstrations and supporting employer forums, all free of charge, all this taking place over the last 27 years, I am probably the largest employer in the borough and ironically I have trained two members of staff who now work at Hopwood Hall College.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/42555/hair-raising-decision-made-by-councillor