Teens in Merseyside set sights on creative careers following successful programme

A group of twenty teenagers have taken the next step towards dream careers as DJs, hairdressers, and makeup artists, following an initiative funded by Merseyside Police.

The initiative forms part of Merseyside Police’s prevention policing approach and uses music and hair and beauty to divert young people away from potentially coming into harm’s way, or becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, crime, or violence.

The programmes are designed for young people who thrive best outside of traditional education settings.

Training provider Mode Training delivered the diversionary programme to a group of 14-16 years olds across Sefton.

A group of 10 students took part in the innovative DJ course and were given practical lessons, as well as computer-based teaching where they were shown how to create their own music.

They started their musical journeys in May 2022 and have spend the last 12 months learning all the tricks of the trade, to help them move on to further studies and jobs.

A further 10 students took part in the hair and beauty programme, which begin in January 2023.

The 13-week course saw the group undertake masterclasses at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool, learn the latest skills and techniques from industry experts and receive a professional hair and beauty kit to kickstart their future careers.

Last night (26 April) Merseyside Police and Mode Training held an awards ceremony to officially recognise the youngster’s successes.

Student DJs wowed the crowds with their own playlists, while the budding makeup artists and hair stylists created unique looks on their models.

The programme is proudly funded by Project Medusa, Merseyside Police’s dedicated team to tackling County Lines and criminal gangs. Organised crime groups will often prey on young and vulnerable people to do their dirty work – one aspect of Project Medusa is to host preventative and diversionary pathways for young people who are at risk of being exploited.  

Debbie Tagoe, Managing Director of Mode Training, said: “We are proud to be working alongside Merseyside Police on this important initiative. Not only are the young people learning valuable vocational skills, but they are also enhancing their life skills.

“They have met and worked alongside other young people from across the borough, worked together in teams, supported each other with communication and most importantly built up resilience, independence and emotional intelligence.”

Superintendent Martin Earl added: “This joint programme with Mode Training continues to go from strength to strength since its launch in 2022. This allows us to engage with young people living in the area and show them that there are many opportunities available to allow them to realise their potential.

“I hope this course has inspired them to embrace new challenges and gives them the confidence to continue to focus their energies on something that is positive and, more importantly, something that they enjoy.”