YOUNG people from Trafford are out to prove they can cut it in the hairdressing world after trying out the tricks of the trade at specialist state-of-the-art training premises.

They were amongst scores of others from across Greater Manchester finding out about hairdressing apprenticeships at a one-day event at The Hair Academy in the city centre.

The event gave young people the chance to learn more about the trade, try out facilities and speak to those who deliver the training.

The Hair Academy is run by apprenticeship provider Skills Solutions and funded with an investment of £400,000. It will be the main site for training the latest intake of apprentices, to meet industry demand for skilled young staff.

The event is one of a series of activities provided by the Learning and Skills Council's National Apprenticeships Week, which seeks to encourage more employers to take on apprentices.

In total, around 350 apprenticeships will be offered by The Hair Academy this year and it is hoped many young people will find work through the links Skills Solutions has with more than 250 employers.

One apprentice, 21-year-old Aden Brady from Sale, is an apprentice for Altrincham-based Elliot McClarance and is working towards a Level Two qualification in hairdressing, having attended sessions at the academy since 2006.

He said: "I had wanted to be a fireman, but failed my eye test and didn't know what to do after that.

"A couple of my friends suggested that I try hairdressing, and I had always liked the buzz and atmosphere of salons so I thought "why not?"

"I hope one day that this will help me run my own salon or start up a partnership. I'm looking forward to the future."

Heather Green, managing director of Skills Solutions, said: "Our latest drive to help young people obtain qualifications and find work in the hairdressing profession has proved to be a great success.

"Opening such a well known facility to young people has generated a fantastic response - and those who attended were certainly impressed by the place.

"I am delighted that young people from the Trafford area have shown an interest in learning more about our facility and took the opportunity to find out more about training here."

Anyone who wishes to find out more about an apprenticeship should contact the applications team on 0161 233 2656.