Programme helps Darla to land her dream job
A 17-YEAR-OLD apprentice from Cardiff is flying to Budapest after support from the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales+ programme helped her land her dream role as a hairdresser.
Darla Wathen recently completed her Level 1 NVQ qualification in hairdressing and is working at Henderson & Co in Cathays as a junior stylist.
Darla said: “I wasn’t very academic at school, but I’ve always been a creative person. I decided to meet with Working Wales to scope out my options and Jobs Growth Wales+ appealed to me because of the work placements and hands-on training that were incorporated into your learning.
“Back then I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future, so I attended a few taster days to explore different career pathways. The courses on offer varied from childcare to beauty to construction and animal care, but it was hairdressing that I discovered I had a passion for.”
Having found her feet, Darla excelled and quickly proved to her tutors that she was a talented and dedicated learner.
Darla said: “My tutor, Charlotte, played a huge role in how comfortable and at ease I felt on Jobs Growth Wales+. I was nervous when I first started the programme, but she spent a lot of time helping me build on my essential skills before looking for employment.”
With the support she received, Darla soon secured her job and is thriving. She said: “Working at Henderson & Co has been amazing. I really appreciate the advice the other stylists give me, and I’ve already learnt so much in such a short space of time.
“When I’m not with clients, I’m either on reception, tidying or doing stock take – I love going to work because no day is the same! I’m really keen to specialise in colour and I’ve been lucky enough to practice different techniques – from block colour, balayage, foils and highlights. I even dyed a customer’s hair red the other day.”
This year, Darla will be flying to Budapest with Henderson & Co to attend a fashion show workshop.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be going with the team to a Kevin Murphy fashion show,” she said. “It’s another new adventure and an opportunity for me to be taught by the very best influencers and experts in the industry.”