Meet the team
We all have a range of skills and work experiences to bring to the training environment.
Dawn Lanham
Dawn Lanham: MD and Head of Centre
About Dawn: Starting her career in 1980 with full time college training in London for hairdressing & beauty, Dawn worked for some years as a hairdresser before becoming self employed as a mobile hair and beauty technician. After marriage and two children, Dawn concentrated more on building a construction company with her then husband, working for major companies including Euro Disney in Paris, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. Since moving to Cornwall with two young children in 1997, Dawn initially worked at Cornwall College as a programme manager in the Hair & Beauty department, before moving on to open a very successful beauty salon in Falmouth. Having experienced working with young people, and feeling positive about teaching and training, Dawn embarked on her biggest career decision ever and formed the Company as it is known now, starting out with four students paying privately to do short courses in Beauty Therapy. Dawn now heads the centre that provides training to around 175 young people from all walks of life. ‘The variety, the emotions and the challenge is really what keeps me motivated. Every single day is different and I love being part of a Company that really makes a difference to a person’s life’.
Russell Hill
Russell Hill: Centre Manager
About Russell: Russell began his career in Civil Engineering but, after successfully completing his HNC, decided against working in this industry. Instead, having a passion for business and people, he secured a job with a transport company, which he worked hard to help grow for over 10 years. Since moving to Cornwall in 2003, Russell has managed two different tourist attractions whilst training as a Counsellor. Russell has only worked for 5 different companies in his career, which is a great testimony to his commitment and endurance - something that is occasionally put to the test as the Manager here. Having restored several cars, Russell has a strong interest in mechanics and likes nothing more than visiting our well equipped workshop for progress reports (plus a cup of coffee). Being part of an organisation that works so closely with young people means Russell is often called upon to listen to them when life is not running their way. Having successfully completed a counselling diploma, and still working outside of The Combined Training Centre as a Counsellor, this is part of the job that Russell is well prepared for. "The challenge has always been to combine excellent training with a truly supportive environment; to have a centre that really does offer young people of all capabilities a chance to shine. I love watching the students succeed and surpass their own expectations."