Success Stories: Emma Hiscox, Level 3 Barbering Apprentice

If you dream big and work hard, you can make anything happen – this is certainly true of our Barbering Apprentice Emma.

Whilst studying at Skills Group, Emma has become a motivated and ambitious young woman with big dreams to travel the world as a Hairdresser and Barber. We caught up with Emma to find out more…

“I always knew I wanted to choose hairdressing as a career, I decided that an apprenticeship was the best route to gain both practical experience and qualifications.

I wanted to study within a salon environment rather than going to college as I knew I would learn more from a real life “hands-on” salon environment. I saw an advert on Facebook promoting the apprenticeship with Skills Group at Heavenly Scissors and haven’t looked back!”

Emma started as a Hairdressing apprentice in 2016, after successfully completing her Level 2 she has progressed onto Level 3 Barbering.

“I wanted to advance my knowledge in barbering so I have a more rounded set of skills. It’s really interesting and I have learnt so many new techniques already. I’ve recently mastered wet shaves, which was a little bit scary at first but I am more confident at doing them now”.

Zoe Scarff, Hairdressing Assessor at Skills Group says, “Emma is an excellent learner and has excelled in her theory exams. She is making excellent progress within her practical where she has completed wet shaves, gent’s cuts and facial hair grooming, I feel she will make a great Barber as she accepts and embraces every challenge I set her.”

Emma continues, “Once I complete my Barbering apprenticeship, I would like to stay on at Heavenly Scissors as a Junior Stylist to advance my skills and then perhaps get some experience working at a Barbers shop too. However, my big dream is to work on a cruise ship as a Hairdresser and Barber. I have already been researching it, and it’s definitely where I see myself – travelling the world, doing a job I love and getting paid for it!”

Emma certainly has the passion and determination to succeed in her dream and we wish her the very best of luck for all of her future adventures!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School