Apprentice Alice has made the cut
ALICE CHEESEMAN’S career has rocketed since she embarked on a hairdressing apprenticeship.
First she took an NVQ level one in hairdressing while studying at Brownhills School in the West Midlands.
Alice, 23 from nearby Walsall Wood, then started an apprenticeship at Walsall College, gaining hairdressing NVQ levels two and three.
While studying, she got hands-on experience at hairdressing chain, the H C Group in Pelsall, Walsall.
Alice completed her qualification and went on to a full-time job at the salon — before working her way up and eventually owning it.
She now runs Alice at H C salon and employs another member of staff.
Alice says: ‘I decided I wanted to become a hairdresser when I was in Year Ten at Brownhills School in Walsall, and I was given a placement at a hairdresser’s.
‘I had a Saturday job at a salon at the time, so I enrolled on an apprenticeship straightaway, and Walsall College was recommended to me as the best place.
‘I loved the fact that I was in a real salon with real clients, and earning a wage at the same time.
‘The course set me up to run my own salon, and I don’t think I would have achieved this so quickly if it hadn’t been for the apprenticeship.
‘Apprenticeships are great to start learning a trade and gain real-life experience at the same time to prepare yourself for work.
‘I’ve previously taken on an apprentice in my salon to help someone else get a head start in their career. I would definitely do it again.’
Alice adds: ‘If you want to get into hairdressing, you need to work really hard and be committed and artistic. It’s a very fulfilling career.’
A spokesman for Walsall College says: ‘Alice’s journey from starting as an apprentice to owning her own salon, in just a few years, shows the career opportunities that following an apprenticeship route can open up.’
Walsall College, which is graded outstanding by Ofsted, is the largest provider of qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds in Walsall.
It boasts a variety of courses and qualifications from entry level to university level. Details at walsallcollege.ac.uk