We are Cedars Training Academy

Our Story

Cedars Training Academy is a registered training provider with academies based in Gloucestershire and Derbyshire. Combining 21 years of experience in delivering health and beauty training, our academies aim to help you start our journey to a more satisfying and authentic life. Through our range of training and qualifications, we can get you started or help advance your career in health and beauty.

Cedars Training Academy is part of the High Ridge Training Group, a group of specialist training providers who combine and share best practice, management and admin/operational resources to support our specialist and industry specific tutors and programme leads.

Our Academies

Cedars Training Academy Gloucester

Formerly International Hair and Beauty Academy (IBHA)

IBHA was founded in 2014 by the salon directors of Cedars Health & Beauty Centre. The directors had worked with many industry professionals over the years, both nationally and internationally, and wanted to raise the profile of beauty and holistic training to meet international standards, thus IBHA was born.

View Our Gloucester Academy

CEDARS TRAINING ACADEMY Derby

Formerly Infinity Training Academy

Infinity Training Academy was originally founded in 2011. It has gone on to be an award-winning Centre known for it’s excellence in training for holistic and complementary therapies.

View Our Derby Academy

Training We Offer

At Cedars Training Academy we offer a range of training to get you qualified and to advance your career. We offer training for Apprenticeship programmes, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and Short Courses, please see an overview of each below:

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship programmes are a popular choice for individuals that would prefer on the job training as apposed to classroom based learning.

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)

These are accredited by VTCT. NVQ’s are a prestigious qualification and are recognised worldwide. By completing a NVQ you will achieve a high standard and deeper understanding of each subject area. Our NVQ’s are delivered over a period of time and include a combination of theory and practical delivery with a range of assessments and official exams. All our courses run throughout the year excluding bank holidays.
Upon Completion of the NVQ courses learners can progress on to becoming spa therapists, salon owners, Work on cruise liners, teaching qualifications and much more.

Short Courses

These courses are all insurable and allows the learners to commence trading straight after completion (subject to insurance). Our short courses are accredited by FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapies and ABT (Approved Beauty Therapists).
These are short and snappy and rarely are fundable. Hence most of the time students have to self-fund these types of courses. This is a fast track route and students are assessed throughout the course. There is no formal end exam.
The academy provides resources for most of the fast track courses apart from Hairdressing and Makeup courses. Students will need to purchase a training block (this can be purchased through the academy prior to the course) for Hairdressing and a Makeup kit (or bring your own Makeup) for Makeup courses.
Some of our short courses will require pre-requisites, please check at the time of booking.

NVQs vs Short Courses

  
    
    NVQs (VTCT)
    Short Courses
  

    Insurable ✓ ✓ 
Practical Assessments ✓ ✓ 
 Written Workbooks ✓  
Formal Paper Exams ✓
Theory Input and Knowledge✓✓ 
 Nationally recognised ✓✓
 Internationally recognised✓ 
Independently fundable✓✓ 

**CPD (Continuous Professional Development)**

As a therapist or a trainer often you are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of training per annum. This can be done in a range of methods. The short training courses are a great way to complete your hours and learn a new skill to enhance your portfolio.
We can offer these courses at your own salon, spa or training facility. Please get in touch for further details.
As well as this, we offer a range of online Accredited courses that can improve your professional and personal development.

Meet the Team

Here at Cedars Training Academy our experienced, friendly and qualified team members are here at hand to help you achieve your goals and guide you in the right direction.

I’m Andrew

Company Director

I have worked in the childcare industry for over 10 years, growing Energy Kidz to be the largest wraparound childcare organisation in the UK with over 120 settings. Reach4Skills was actually born from a need that Energy Kidz had to upskill their delivery staff. I soon realised there was a gap in the market due to a shortage of high quality and reliable training providers.
Reach4Skills quickly became a leader within the nursery and childcare training space and has gone from strength to strength since. I am extremely proud of the fantastic team, who continue to deliver to the highest standard, driving positive outcomes for our learners and employers. It’s fantastic to see their work making such a difference to so many people.

I’m Charlotte

Managing Director

I may not remember every grammar rule or algebra equation from my English and Maths teachers, but I can remember the difference they made on my education and the positive impact they continue to have on me throughout my life. That was the reason I wanted to work in education!
After 8 years working in the travel and tourism industry abroad and studying HR, I found my enthusiasm in leading and developing people.
I qualified as a trainer in 2013 and started my training career working in a school that specialised in educating students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
I joined Andrew at Reach4Skills in 2017 after several years delivering business qualifications in further education. We grew our first business together to become an approved, government funded, apprenticeship and adult skills provider and pride ourselves on the importance of delivering a training experience that is tailored to the individual needs of the learner. We’ve recently created the High Ridge Training Group, a group consisting of specialist training providers who combine and share good practice.
During this time, I’m proud to say I led Reach4Skills Training through our first and full Ofsted inspection receiving ‘Good’ in all areas and more recently Cedars Training Academy in their first monitoring visit. I have always insisted on having the highest expectations of myself, my team, and our learners and without them those achievements would not be possible.
I love my work and when I’m not working, I can be found walking a lot more, after successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2022. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and friends and visiting my favourite holiday destination, the Greek Islands.

I’m Anna

Head of Training and Group Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Lead

Prior to joining the High Ridge team in 2017, my career background was predominantly within Senior Management roles across the Early Years sector. Supporting individuals with training and development opportunities, has always been one of my leading passions, and it was this motivation that inspired the change of career direction into Further Education.

On a personal level, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. We share a love for adventures and travel, anything from activity camping in the UK to swimming in the Caribbean Sea.

I’m Jamie

Functional Skills Lead/Mental Health Champion

I’ve been working in the education sector since 2015 and have experience teaching maths and English from entry levels up to GCSE. I understand the challenges young people face when learning maths and English and find joy in helping them achieve in the two subjects. I have experience leading maths and English teams and strive to develop maths and English into accessible and enjoyable qualifications for all.
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the gym and keeping up with old pals while gaming online. I’m also a big foodie and am always up for trying new foods!

I’m Pippa

Beauty and Holistic Tutor

I have worked in the beauty and spa industry for over 20 years and have so much passion for the industry. Prior to joining Cedars I have worked in top end spas managing teams of therapists and apprentices while keeping my hand in delivering treatments. I am passionate about the future of the industry and want to teach to inspire the next generation of therapists to go on to have fulfilling careers.

Outside of work you will find me out in nature with my family or at a potter’s wheel creating ceramics (and lots of mess!)

I’m Jo

Hairdressing/Beauty Tutor and IQA

coming soon

I’m Karen

Beauty and Holistic Tutor

With over 15 years of experience as a beauty, massage, and holistic therapist, I bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and intuition to every treatment I offer. My approach is rooted in the belief that true beauty and well-being come from nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
Alongside traditional therapies, I’ve expanded my skillset to include special effects makeup and stay at the forefront of the industry by continually learning the latest up-and-coming treatments. This blend of creativity and innovation allows me to offer a unique and versatile service that caters to both wellness and artistry.
My background in teaching has also given me the opportunity to mentor future therapists, sharing not only techniques but the importance of compassion and connection in every treatment. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation, skin rejuvenation, or creative transformation, my goal is to provide a tailored, professional experience that leaves you feeling renewed, empowered, confident and ready for your next career path.

I’m Nikki

Operations Manager & Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Lead

I have worked for Cedars since 2020 when I joined as an assessor/IQA. Since then, I have moved into the role of Operations Manager, Looking after a team of tutors, and Therapists as I also look after the Cedars Salon. I love my job.
My career started working in Spas and Salons in Birmingham City. I then started my own business, gaining 5* ratings, which then lead me to wanting to develop more into my teaching and passing my passions onto others within the industry.
When I am not at work I am often out in the fresh air with my husband, daughter, and my Dog in the local Nature Reserve or at the Gym. My Favourite thing to do is to have a family cuddle on the sofa with a film listening to the rain on the windows with a hot drink. I love doing anything relating to wellbeing and relaxation.