Pets & Friends has opened a grooming training centre at its store in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
The purpose-built Grooming Academy will become the training base for staff at the retailer’s 18 stores as well as offering nationally-recognised qualifications to the general public in partnership with awarding organisation iPET Network.
Applicants can now train and qualify in grooming as well as receiving business advice from lead trainer Kerry Chapman and her team.
Kerry said: “Grooming is such a rewarding and creative skill set, it is not something that anyone can simply pick up a pair of scissors and just do, so it is wonderful to see students blossoming into amazing stylists on these courses.
“The brilliant thing about the iPET Network courses is that learners can work at their own pace, and there is a lot of emphasis on handling and welfare too. The welfare of the animal is at the heart of everything that they do and those are our values too.”
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of the iPET Network said: “We are so excited to be working with Pets & Friends and the new training school is looking amazing.
“Dog grooming is a growth industry, with more groomers needed than ever before to service the record number of dogs now living in UK homes. But for the industry to be one that everyone can trust, it is imperative that groomers get their qualifications. It is brilliant that Pets & Friends takes this responsibility so seriously.”
Claire Bayliss, ceo of KennelPak, which owns Pets & Friends, added: “It is well known that there is a shortage of highly skilled groomers across the UK.
“We are delighted to have partnered with iPET Network to launch The Grooming Academy, giving groomers and those looking for a career change, the opportunity to gain a highly regarded qualification along with the skills they need to groom not just dogs, but a variety of small animals to exacting standards.
“There are a number of training courses available that offer flexible hours as well as various payment terms, ensuring our courses are accessible to students of all ages.”
The new centre is holding taster sessions for would-be students on June 30 (3pm–8pm) and July 2 (12pm–6pm).
