This week Colleges Scotland is celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week - there’s more details on all the activity taking place on the SDS Apprenticeships website.  We are highlighting the achievements of Annabel Stoker and Halle Gordon at North East Scotland College: 

Name: Annabel Stoker
Age: 17

Course: Modern Apprenticeship at North East Scotland College

What stage you are at on your course?
Level 2 Year 1

What made you want to start an apprenticeship?
I wanted to start an apprenticeship because I wanted a hands-on experience in a professional luxury salon environment while learning all the skills needed to become a confident hairdresser. I love that a modern apprenticeship lets me learn whilst working alongside experienced stylists that have such a big passion for hair as I do so I can gain a realistic insight into the industry.

What has the experience been like for you? Has there been anything that has surprised you? What has been the high point, or a highlight, or experience you’ve had that you’ve enjoyed?
The apprenticeship experience has been amazing. I’ve been very lucky to get an apprenticeship within Rebecca Carr Hair Salon where the team all supports each other, we get excellent training and Rebecca gives us lots of opportunities to develop our knowledge and skills. What’s surprised me most is how much you learn as an apprentice just being in the salon environment, even when we aren’t training, I still feel that I learn everyday just by observing and assisting stylists with clients. A highlight for me in my apprenticeship has been being part of the team at Rebecca Carr when we won the British Hairdressing Awards for customer service. Being a part of such a professional and client-focused salon has made me so much more confident and inspired every day.

Are there some key skills that you could tell us about that you have learned?
Some key skills I have learned in my apprenticeship are professional client service and communication skills, I’ve learn that’s it’s not just about knowing how to do the clients hair it’s about knowing how to speak to a client and give a 10/10 consultation. I’ve also learnt time management and working efficiently in a busy environment.

Name: Halle Gordon
Age: 19

Course: Level 2 MA hairdressing

What stage you are at on your course?
Year 2

What made you want to start an apprenticeship?
I decided to pursue a Modern Apprenticeship in hairdressing because I started working in a salon at the age of 15 and quickly realised how much I was enjoying it. I loved the environment and being part of a team, and I’m very chatty and bubbly so the salon atmosphere really suited me. I enjoy talking to clients, making them feel comfortable, and being in such a friendly, busy environment. Starting so young gave me a passion for the industry, and I want to build on that experience by developing my skills and gaining a qualification through a Modern Apprenticeship.

What has the experience been like for you? Has there been anything that has surprised you? What has been the high point, or a highlight, or an experience you’ve had that you’ve enjoyed?
I’ve been loving my apprenticeship so far. I’ve enjoyed learning lots of new skills and techniques that are helping me improve and grow in confidence. The highlight for me has been meeting new clients and building relationships with them while developing my abilities in the salon.

Are there some key skills that you could tell us about that you have learned?
I’ve developed strong communication skills, which really suit me as I am very chatty and enjoy building relationships with clients. I’ve also improved my time management and teamwork in the busy salon environment.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years time, and how will the apprenticeship experience have helped you get there?
In 5 to 10 years time, I see myself with a busy clientele, really loving life in my salon. I’d like to have built up a strong reputation.