The next generation of dog groomers is set to benefit from a new joint venture between the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and Hadlow College.

The leading trade association for the pet industry and the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted-rated college are working in partnership to manage the dog grooming school based at Hadlow in Kent.

The Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School will offer City & Guilds qualifications for dog groomers which are recognised by industry as providing the ideal foundation for those embarking on a career in dog grooming.

The venture is the first of its kind, and forges a unique relationship between industry and education.

"This enterprise provides an excellent opportunity for new and existing groomers," said Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation.

"PIF has created a unique link between further education and industry, which will ensure the highest standards of teaching and facilitate access for newly qualified groomers to industry. Our qualified grooming assistants and professional groomers will be fully equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter the workplace and offer the highest quality grooming and care for the British public’s dogs.

"The state-of-the-art grooming facilities at Hadlow College are second to none,’ Nigel continued, ‘and the Pet Industry Federation has been able to draw on its network of pet specialists to ensure the school is managed and staffed by respected groomers who have a wealth of industry experience. We are delighted that this team will be led by leading groomer and tutor Julie Harris LCGI."

Having started grooming at the age of 16, Julie has been at the forefront of developments in the grooming industry, consistently raising standards through her teaching career, her involvement in trade associations and through delivering seminars and demonstrations nationwide. She is a member of the Guild of Master Groomers, an accolade held by fewer than 40 groomers in the UK and won the title Speaker of the Year at the Liz Paul Awards 2015. During her long career Julie previously taught at Hadlow College, and then moved on to develop the training programme for The Groom Room at Pets at Home, before joining a London based salon, handling celebrity clients and making numerous media appearances.

Hadlow Faculty Manager Zoe Smith commented: "Hadlow has always had an excellent reputation in relation to dog grooming and we are delighted and proud to be working with the PIF.  The new partnership will undoubtedly result in benefits for the entire industry."

Operating on a commercial basis, the Hadlow PIF Grooming School will not be constrained by the academic calendar and will operate all year round, thereby helping more student groomers achieve success. The modern dog grooming salon is fully equipped and has a good client base, thus giving the students the experience of working in a commercial environment as well as access to the latest in teaching resources.

Registrations of interest for the City & Guilds qualifications can be made via the website: www.hadlow.ac.uk