A SOUTHAMPTON firm has spotted a gap in the market that will generate money and bring on talented hairdressers across south Hampshire.

Would-be trainees are currently faced with courses that are full, and it often takes up to two years to qualify.

Crescent Training Services, which was awarded centre status by City and Guilds for NVQ 1 and 2, has linked up with two training salons to provide a hairdressing programme.

The salons are G & N Training in Portswood Road, Southampton, and Marianne's in Holbury, Waterside, in association with Goldwells.

Programme developer Pete Gibbs said: "Crescent has a big opportunity for expansion and more choice for those people who want to train as hairdressers.

It offers a rolling programme so trainees can start training whenever they wish. They should complete their NVQ in 12 months.

To launch the project there will be open days on October 6 at G&N Training and October 20 at Marianne's.

For further information contact Pete Gibbs on 023 8084 9292.