Member Article

Stylish Lauren embarks on hairdressing apprenticeship

A Gateshead teenager is on the fringe of a successful career after being taken on as apprentice at a local salon.

Sixteen year-old Lauren Howells has joined Fine Cuts in Gateshead to ply her trade as a hairdresser.

She will work as part of a seven-strong team that includes two other apprentices from Gateshead College, Nicola Webster and Annalise Little.

Initially Lauren, from Windy Nook, will work towards an NVQ Level 1 in hairdressing with the opportunity to progress to levels 2 and 3 in her second year. After two years, she will be a fully qualified hairdresser.

She joins a company that is a firm supporter of apprenticeships. Fine Cuts has taken on more than 20 apprentices since it was launched by owner Vicky Crawford ten years ago, including several from Gateshead College.

Vicky, who is originally from New Zealand, said: “I really value apprenticeships and I’m committed to developing the next generation of hairdressing talent. In recent years Gateshead College has produced a steady stream of outstanding young apprentices and Lauren is the latest one to benefit my business.

“We are a small business so it’s vital that everybody contributes in some way. I’m glad to say that Lauren has the skills, aptitudes and work ethic to forge a lengthy and successful career with us.”

Lauren says: “I’m really glad that I’ve been given the chance to work for Vicky. I’ve worked for other hairdressers but I left my previous job because I felt I wasn’t being treated fairly.

“Gateshead College put me in touch with Fine Cuts and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. The apprenticeship allows me to learn my trade while earning a wage; I’d recommend this form of training to other people of my age.”

Gateshead College is one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships in the region, supporting more than 400 organisations committed to improving the skills of young people starting out on their careers and adults looking to boost career prospects through an apprenticeship route.

In recent years the college has ramped up its training provision by boosting the quality and variety of apprenticeships available to employers looking to up-skill their workforces. The organisation currently works with employers of all sizes, in areas such as construction, engineering, logistics, retail, catering and transport.

Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said: “Lauren is one of many apprentices who have gone on to enjoy a successful career in their chosen profession. Increasingly apprenticeships are being viewed by employers as a great way to up-skill their workforce and get ahead of the competition.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead College .