With a Level 2 qualification achieved and plans to progress to a Level 3, our newly qualified hairdressing apprentice Charlotte Andrews, explains how she gets the best of both worlds. She gets to do a job she loves while gaining an accredited qualification.
Dreaming during covid
I always knew what I wanted to do when I left school. But covid made it difficult – everything just stopped. No-one was taking on apprentices and salons were closing. I thought I might have to go to college.
Luckily, I was in year 10 when it all happened. So by the time I left school, the industry had started to open up again.
It all came together when I got the job at Crave Hairdressing. We all share the same values – the staff were well looked after. Our ideas are always listened to, and we get to feedback on how we can be better as a team.
Hairdressing is an art
I loved art in school and I feel like hairdressing is an art form. You get to experiment with different colours and be creative.
I love playing around with bright colours. It’s a fun way to experiment with how you look. I am currently blonde but have had blue and purple hair before. If a client told me “Do whatever you want”, there would most likely be some bold colours coming out to play.
An apprenticeship is the best option
Working in a salon environment, you get to see the ins and outs of how it works. You’re surrounded by adults who know what they’re talking about because they live and breathe it every day.
The attitude in college can be “I don’t have to go” and I didn’t want to be around that.
I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to get a job and get the experience. I have learnt so much, have more structure to my day and don’t need to get a part time job while studying.
I’m not expected to know everything
My auntie was right. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy college and followed my heart going straight into the salon through an apprenticeship. I’m so thankful for her help and advice. With lots of years hairdressing experience herself – she knew what she was talking about.
My manager at the salon, Simon really takes his time with me. I’m not expected to know everything. He’s great at explaining what I need to do and then leaves me to it. If there’s something that needs improving, we go through it together. It makes me feel supported and capable.
It’s so important to find the right salon for you. Make sure you feel comfortable and don’t settle for anything less.
If you’ve finished school and prefer practical experience over sitting in a classroom, study an apprenticeship in hairdressing, beauty or barbering.
