Introducing you to Chaddy Masangi. A Kirklees College Barbering tutor with years of industry experience and a passion for inspiring the next generation.
In this interview, he talks about his amazing career and the benefits of starting your training at Kirklees College.
What was your experience like before teaching? How was life as a barber?
I was a barbershop owner with a team of over 20. Before that, I’d been cutting hair since I was a youngster in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I then moved to the UK when I was 14 and actually had aspirations to play professional basketball.
Throughout this time, and throughout my time playing the sport, I cut the hair of other players. This passion for cutting hair really built from there.
I went to university to study Psychology, and even then, I was cutting the hair of people on my course. This was a passion that never went away.
Do you have any particular highlights from your barbering career?
During lockdown, I opened my first barbershop, which eventually led to me becoming the official barber for Liverpool FC a few years later and working with other Premier League players.
Have you worked with anyone famous?
I have worked with YouTubers alongside other famous people across the world. With my work at Liverpool, I have cut the hair of several players, including Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
What’s the best thing about a career in the sector?
The best thing about a career in hair, beauty and barbering is that it can take you in so many different directions and to so many different places across the world.
I now love teaching and inspiring the next generation.
What made you want to get into teaching?
I wanted to pass on the knowledge I have gained and help others in a similar way to how I was helped.
My current mentor at work is actually my former college tutor, Tiffany Park, who introduced me to the teaching roles at Kirklees College.
I also wanted to work for a historic organisation like this one that has been teaching young people for over 200 years.
What would you say is the best thing about studying Hair, Beauty or Barbering at Kirklees College?
I’d say that it’s actually that we don’t just cover the practical aspects of the job. We offer a great insight into the theoretical side of the job, and we also have a fantastic pastoral team.
What advice would you give to someone in Year 10 or Year 11 looking to start their career in Barbering?
Coming to Kirklees College is like joining a family where we all look after each other.
Study Barbering at Kirklees College
Our range of Barbering courses have been created to provide you with the enhanced skills to specialise in barbering. Through theory and practical sessions, you will learn how to conduct yourself in the industry and progress into a career as an employed or self-employed barber. Check out our range of Barbering courses for more information.