SPOTLIGHT ON: APPRENTICES

HJ’s Apprentice Week ran from 5-11 February to support apprentices and show the valuable contribution they make to the hair industry

Katelyn Hay, Valerie Kelly Hairdressing, Londonderry

Why did you decide to train in hair?

I started off training in childcare, but really I always wanted to be a hairdresser. Sadly I was told that I wasn’t good enough to do hairdressing and so thought I wouldn’t succeed. But in August 2023 I decided to just go for it. I started working for Valerie Kelly Hairdressing – and I love it. The industry is so big and open and it’s so creative. It doesn’t matter where you are, or where you’re from, all hairdressers have one thing in common – they just love making people happy.

What has your hairdressing education been?

I am in a regional college four days a week and I’m doing my Level 2 hairdressing. On Friday and Saturday I’m with Valerie. She really inspires me. She has had her salon for 19 years and she’s amazing.

What do you think the industry needs to do to support the next generation?

Have a little more trust in us. I know we’re only starting out and we’re going to make mistakes but we don’t always get the chance to show how good we are. It would be nice to bring apprentices together at an event just for them.

What are your career goals?

I would love to be able to have a chair of my own and my own clients, even my own salon. I want to have an amazing social media platform. I love vibrant colours so I’d like to have more clients who want to go bright.

Daisy Price-Gillett, Regis, Holmes Chapel

Why did you decide to train in hair?

I have always loved doing hair – I’ve been doing my Mum’s hair since I was young.

What has your hairdressing education been?

I’m currently at college training and I work at the Regis Salon in Holmes Chapel four times a week. It’s another year until I fully qualify.

What do you think the industry needs to do to support the next generation?

Take the time to teach them and make it easy for them to ask for help if they need it.

What are your career goals?

I’d love to do more bright colours. I do love doing balayage and highlights though, I find them so satisfying. Long term I would like to own my own salon.

Adam Griffiths, Slate Barbers, Ramsbottom

Why did you decide to train in hair?

When I was at school I wanted to be either a mechanic or a barber. They couldn't get me into a barbershop for work experience, so I did mechanics. When I turned 30, I thought ‘what if?’ I went to night school and fell in love with hair. I’ve been working at a shop two days a week to get more experience.

What do you think the industry needs to do to support the next generation?

I think colleges should invite local hairdressers and barbers to come in and chat. Students need to know that you don’t just finish your course and start charging for cuts. It's not until you get experience in a working environment that you realise how skilled it is.

What are you career goals?

For me, 2023 was a whirlwind. My Dad passed away at the start of the year while I was in college, but I got my Level 2 qualification, was headhunted by the shop I'm at now and I was a finalist in Modern Barber’s Raw Talent competition. I'm hoping to go full time and keep learning as much as I can.