Make-up branch at front of class

Members of BECTU's Hair and Make-up branch will be turning into trainers at a major trade show this weekend.

Several of them will be lecturing at hands-on training sessions being run at the International Make-up Artists' Trade Show in London on January 29 and 30.

Leading members of the branch committee, some with BAFTA awards for their work, are due to lead classes dealing with the challenges that artists face as freelance workers in a cut-throat industry.

The education sessions are just part of the programme for the event, which includes an exhibition with more than 70 stands, and keynote presentations by leading figures in professional film and TV make-up, many of them union members.

Specialist workshops will cover a wide range of topics from health and safety to prosthetics, and make up professionals will be able to check over new products and techniques.

IMATS, sponsored by Make-Up artist magazine, is being held on Saturday and Sunday (29/30 January) at the Business Design Centre, Upper Street Islington.

BECTU officials will be on hand at the union's trade stall to offer advice, and explain the benefits of union membership.