Success Stories: Harry Porter, Barbering Apprentice

We visited Harry at Luka’s Barbers, a cutting-edge barber shop in Plymouth City Centre, where he is completing his apprenticeship. Harry is doing brilliantly and flying through his apprenticeship, so we caught up with him to find out more about the experience.

“I originally thought I wanted to go into mechanics and started a course at a college straight after school. However, I quickly discovered this wasn’t for me. I’ve always been creative and a people person, and I thought that barbering would allow me to use this; my Mum also thought I’d make a great barber!

“I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship at Luka’s Barbers. It’s a renowned shop with some of the best barbers in the industry, so it’s a brilliant experience to learn from experts. It’s also great to meet a variety of people – being a barber is very sociable!

“Since starting here, I’ve learnt so many new skills through hands-on experience. I observe the team to learn new techniques and develop my skills, which I can then put into practice. I have completed cuts on clients and my proudest moment so far during the apprenticeship was completing my first fully-booked day. Some days are non-stop but I like to be busy! I’m currently learning how to complete shaves, and look forward to continuing with this once COVID-19 regulations allow.

“I enjoy training at Skills Group too; the sessions are thought out and well planned, and the salon is spacious with up-to-date tools. The trainers at Skills Group are very supportive and love what they do.

“Once I complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, I want to continue onto my Level 3 and keep developing my skills in barbering. My goal for the future is to travel the world using my barbering qualification.”

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