We want to introduce you to two of our People 1st Lurgan Hairdressing Apprentices.
As you may or may not know, we have a fantastic fully operational hair salon in Lurgan where we train all level of students in our Hairdressing and Barbering Training Academy. From those leaving school after GCSE’s to those who are already in work but want to cement their skills with an NVQ, our doors are open to all levels from beginner upwards.
Cara Lennon and Anna Turley, who are both 21 years of age, have been studying with People 1st for their Level 3 NVQ in Hairdressing, attending our training academy this past year where they have been working towards gaining this qualification. They both work in a salon for the main part of their week and spend one day training with ourselves on the ApprenticeshipsNI training scheme.
Anna works at her busy family business, owned by her mother Monica, in Saintfield called Salon 68. Anna loves hairdressing and works full-time alongside her mum and the team in the salon doing cuts, colours and styling and is able to get lots of practice on a daily basis. One day a week she comes to People 1st to study for her NVQ at our Hairdressing Academy in Lurgan. Everyone in the the salon, including her mum is very invested in her gaining this Level 3 NVQ and has been so supportive of her doing this apprenticeship. Anna is delighted that she chose to come to People 1st to study, after hearing about us from one of her customers Valerie Foster, who works here. The timing was right and having already completed her Level 2 at school she decided to progress on to do her Level 3 with us. She would highly recommend this course to others in the same position as her, having learnt so many new things under the experienced teaching of our hairdressing tutors Katrina and Louise.
Cara works in the local Lurgan creative salon called The Garden of Eden and admits that her favourite subject at school was art, and as Cara explains “ I loved doing all the artistic side of this show preparation. I did Art at school and it was my favourite time of the day- i love using my imagination and I had this idea for the show and I have actually enjoyed putting it all together so much!! It was only in my head before but seeing it come to life now is really amazing, I am so delighted ”
Studying an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain your qualification as it allows you to work for the majority of your week in your salon where you are fully employed, and spend some time in our academy, certifying what you have been doing at work alongside further training. Part of the qualification is an end of year show which each of the girls prepared two looks for- one ‘conventional’ bridal look and one ‘non-conventional’ look on their models and we are showcasing these looks below! We want to thank our hairdressing tutor Louise Mackle who helped oversee the girls while they were preparing for this show. She was a great support and loved seeing the girls personalities coming out in their work .. as she herself says:
“The girls are just amazing- so talented with a bright future, very creative they put a lot of time and effort into their styles- everything from their hair to their clothes, makeup and their picture locations!!! The overall look was outstanding as you can see from the photos. The two girls are full time stylists in their salons and I’m sure will have a a big clientele. Just love their work!!! It was a pleasure to guide and support you Anna & Cara! Congratulations to you both!!!
Both girls want to move onto further study as they have really enjoyed their time with People 1st.
As Cara herself explains ” The Level 3 developed my colour, cutting and up styling skills to a higher professional level. This included planning and carrying out a photo shoot which promoted my creativity and management skills. People 1st gave me the opportunity to achieve my Level 2 qualifications in ICT, English and Maths. The classes for hairdressing and other qualifications were small and enabled me to build a rapport with the tutors and one-to-one support when needed. I also had a Student Support Officer Sarah, who was always there to advise and support me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff in People1st for their support and commitment enabling me to achieve my Hairdressing Level 3 “
Whats next for Anna? She would love to take everything she has learnt from her time with People 1st and progress next to train in hair extensions and bring them to the salon…and she also would love to do a barbering course so she’s not stopping here, its onwards and upwards for Anna!!
We wish both girls the best of luck as they will be amazing at whatever they choose to do next!!
