Employer: Golds Hair Salon

Why did you choose this apprenticeship?

I did A Levels at first but I quickly realised that I didn’t like it. I’ve always wanted to do hairdressing and an apprenticeship was clearly the best method

I’ve always been good at art and have never considered myself particularly academic. I also like doing make up and being really hands on, so doing a Hairdressing Apprenticeship was a no brainer.

How has Petroc helped you with this apprenticeship?

The tutors here are always there to guide you every step of the way – it’s having a personal teacher who’s on hand all the time.

What do you plan to do after your apprenticeship?

I hope to move onto Level 3 and stay in the salon.

Diploma in Beauty Therapy Level 2 (part time)

Mid Devon Campus

“After being made redundant, I decided to try something completely different – but something I’d always been interested in – so decided to enrol on the beauty course at Petroc. I had done some beauty training about 10 years ago, before I had my son, and had always thought it was something I might return to in the future.

I’m quite girly; I’ve always been into makeup and nails. To me, it doesn’t really feel like studying, because it’s something I’m so passionate about. I love every day at college, and have made some great new friends; I really look forward to coming in each week.

I particularly enjoy the massage part of the course, and am considering doing a sports massage course next year. My partner is a personal trainer, and eventually it would be nice to think we could work together in the same industry.

I’d really like to work for myself in the future, and by the end of this year I’m hoping that I can start offering treatments and start slowly building up a client base.

To anyone in a similar position to me, I’d say ‘go for it’. Returning to education can be daunting, but it’s also very rewarding. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you’ll always be welcome – you’re never too old to try something new!”

NVQ 2 Diploma in Hairdressing (apprenticeship)

Mid Devon Campus

“I wanted to do something a bit different at college, something which uses my creative skills and doesn’t involve being in the classroom all day. I’ve always been a very creative person, and loved all the art subjects at school.

Initially I went for work experience at Hair Therapy in Wellington – which is the salon I’ve always used myself – and they invited me back on an apprenticeship programme.

As well as the actual hairdressing, I love this profession because you get to talk to so many different people and hear all their stories. It’s really important, as a hairdresser, to be good with people and able to build a good rapport very quickly. People put a lot of trust in their hairdresser, so it’s important you have a good relationship with your clients.

In the salon at Petroc we get to work with real customers, which is great for building your confidence and preparing you for the world of work.

As a hairdresser, it’s really important to keep up-to-date with current trends, so you understand what clients mean when they come in and start describing a particular style they’ve seen in a magazine or on a celebrity. I’m always researching upcoming trends, too, to try and pre-empt what customers will want over the coming months.

The good thing about being a hairdresser is that it can take you anywhere; it’s a skill that’s always going to be in demand, no matter where you are in the world. My dream job would be to work on celebrity hair in America one day.”

NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing Level 2 (part time)

Mid Devon Campus

“Since the age of 17, I’ve been a full time mum - my children are aged 2, 9 and 12 - and I feel like now is the right time to do something just for me. The course is only 1 ½ days per week, so I find it fits in well around my home life.

I’ve always been a ‘girly girl’, and am a very creative person, so hairdressing seemed like a natural choice. I enjoy every aspect of the course, but I think my favourite part is colouring, as that’s where you can really show off your creativity and flair.

The facilities here at Petroc are fantastic. It really does feel like a proper, working salon and, because you work with customers, you get to practise all aspects of being a hairdresser, such as people skills and customer service, which are all really important to become a successful hairdresser.

I often have days when I doubt myself, but the tutors are always there to reassure me and solve any problems I might have. Last year I won the creativity category at the annual hair competition, which gave me a real confidence boost and since then I’ve had a lot more self-belief in my ability.

I understand that, to be successful in this industry, you have to have many strings to your bow. I’ve already done an ear piercing course at the college and am now thinking about branching out into gel nails.

Once my youngest starts school I’m hoping to be fully qualified and plan to go self-employed, as this’ll fit in better around the kids.”