Taking place between the 18th and 24th September, Adult Learners’ Week supports and inspires people across Wales to discover their passion for learning. Whether you are looking to change your career, learn new skills, improve job opportunities or boost your confidence. Studying an apprenticeship is your chance to build a better future.
Level 2 Beauty Therapy apprentice Alice Evans tells us how she discovered her love for beauty therapy as she begins her apprenticeship at H&Co, Merthyr Tydfil.
I wish I was doing it full time
College was great as it gave me a lot of theoretical knowledge, but I feel I didn’t learn until I was in the salon, on my own, with a client.
Working in a salon environment from the start, you can get your timings right. In college, you have all the time in the world to do it.
I was there for one day a week – I wish I was doing it full time. Luckily, my friend Hannah had an opportunity to work at her salon – H&Co. She said, “You are not going to get full time work doing only massage. Why don’t you think about being able to offer all treatments?”
Hannah was really encouraging. She gave me the boost I needed to study Level 2 Beauty Therapy and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done – I’m so happy.
I feel supported as a new mum
I’ve been working at the salon since March and I’m two months into my apprenticeship. My job is part time and Hannah is flexible. Working around me and looking after my 16-month-old baby girl, Amelia.
The course is not intense, and you know what to do – it’s really well organised. You have an online module on Moodle and everything else takes place in the salon. All practical and done during work hours.
Trainer Coach Rhian Anstee said, “This is my third visit and Alice is near to completing two units. Alice makes every client feel comfortable and talks through the process – a really good quality to have as a beauty therapist. She is very warm and welcoming.”
I don’t have that dreaded feeling coming back to work
It’s like when you go away on holiday, and you come back and don’t have that dreaded feeling of coming back to work. Its lush.
I never thought I’d have a steady hand to do nails but the more I do it, I don’t think about it. I’m not even qualified yet. Even managing timings, talking to clients as I am doing the treatments – working in a salon teaches you that.
Everything feels natural especially as it’s only been a couple of months since I started. It’s busy but it makes things more real. All the clients say to me, “It’s like you’ve been here years.”
It’s good to take risks
I think it’s important to be enthusiastic. There was never a subject that I really loved. My advice would be to find something that makes you tick.
I studied sociology, psychology and ICT at A Level and then went on to be a Pharmacist Technician – something completely different to what I am doing now.
It’s good to take risks and I am glad I did because I found out what I wanted to do through doing things I didn’t – which is part of life. It led me to where I wanted to be, and I love it.
If you’re looking to change your career or improve job opportunities, find out more about our range of courses in hair, beauty and barbering or visit our vacancies and apply now.
