Hairdressing apprentices from ACT Training in Caerphilly proved they were a cut above the rest by organising a fashion show for National Apprenticeship Week.
The Level 3 apprentices designed and organised the show themselves, showcasing four types of hair styling: day, night, avant-garde and bridal. Bridal shop Lilly and Lace in Aberbargoed contributed by donating wedding dresses for the models to wear.
Summer Anderson is a Level 2 apprentice working at Iconic Hair Boutique in Caerphilly. She was among seven Level 2 apprentices allowed to showcase their hairdressing skills on the catwalk, despite not being Level 3s, because of their hard work and dedication.
Summer left school at 16 and came to ACT to take her Level 1 in hairdressing, rather than progressing traditionally onto A Levels.
She said: “I’m really glad that I came to ACT, rather than staying at school. I wanted to go straight into working and I’ve been able to do that at Iconic, while getting a qualification from ACT – it’s the best of both worlds.
“I think that you learn skills on an apprenticeship that you wouldn’t pick up in the classroom. My communications skills have really improved, which wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been interacting with clients every day.
“I was really excited to take part in the Level 3’s hair show and am looking forward to progressing onto Level 3 myself. Once I’ve finished my Level 2 I will be a fully qualified hair stylist, but the extra qualification will improve my CV and help me get better jobs.”
Summer’s manager at Iconic Hair Boutique, Claire Osborne, said: “It’s been fantastic having Summer on board and we all feel that she’s progressed really well. Because we took her on as an apprentice at the beginning of her training, we’ve been able to mould her to our specifications and ensure that she fits in perfectly with the rest of our staff. It’s a lot better than having to train up somebody who’s worked elsewhere and maybe doesn’t have the same standards and techniques as us.
“Apprenticeships can benefit businesses because they help us to safeguard the future quality of our industry by ensuring that the next generation of employees are well trained and work-ready. We would definitely recommend that other businesses get in touch with ACT this National Apprenticeship Week to find out more about apprenticeships. They are a fantastic investment for the future that all businesses should consider.”
Victoria Wiltshire, hairdressing assessor/tutor at ACT Training, said: “The learners have done a fantastic job putting this show together. It has all been their own work and demonstrates their commitment to their training. The turnout on the day was really good and lots of the hairdressers that employ our students were there supporting them, which was lovely to see.
“Our hairdressing apprentices have been really successful finding placements in Caerphilly. I think it’s because they show such a high level of commitment. Salons who employ our learners always feedback that it’s a good experience because they are able to mould them exactly to their personal requirements and can flag up any problems with us, so get that extra support.
“Apprenticeships are brilliant for young people because they provide both experience and qualifications, which look great on their CVs. They are also a true investment for businesses and we would encourage other hairdressers and barbers in Wales to get in touch this National Apprenticeship Week and find out more about the huge benefits that apprentices can bring to their company.”